News Managing/Leadership
HRPA issues statement on Israel/Hamas conflict, encourages leader to show compassion, check-in and offer support

The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) has issued a statement regarding the recent events and conflict in Israel, and offered advice for leaders to support employees directly impacted.

“By now, many of us have seen the headlines of the terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel and the resulting horrific loss of innocent civilian lives. We condemn these terrorist actions. Our thoughts go out to those who have been affected,” it said.

“We feel tremendous empathy and compassion for both Israeli and Palestinian civilians impacted by this conflict worldwide and expect the impact of this human tragedy to reverberate in Ontario workplaces for weeks to come.”

It offered the following advice:

1. Show compassion by checking in and offering support. Be available to employees who seek support from HR, or from their leader.
2. Prepare and equip managers and leaders to respond to employee requests and calls for support. Be lenient and willing to deprioritize work in favour of personal well-being.
3. Remind employees of resources available through your company’s EAP.
4. Arrange for virtual counseling or an Ask the Expert session, at the company’s expense. Tap into personal crisis and trauma experts if/as needed.
5. Provide individuals paid time off from work if needed, so they can focus on their personal situation.

See the original post at https://www.hrpa.ca/hr-insights/hrpa-statement-in-regarding-israel-hamas-conflict