As it is of crucial importance in crisis situations that the first initial support is provided by the company itself, Eupora assists the person in charge to build an own, company specific psycho-social crisis team. This implies screening, training (open training or company specific) and regular intervision of/with the selected employees. As part of the training, Eupora assists the company’s psycho-social crisis team to develop a detailed action plan containing different scenarios for possible crisis situations within the company. In these scenarios, concrete steps are described that need to be taken by the crisis team immediately after the crisis or disaster with regards to psychological support for the victims and other people involved. This way the company can firstly rely on a team of own employees with the proper attitude and competences to deal with very intense emotions (both in the initial phase of the crisis as in later stages of the coping process). Secondly, it also has a clear, pre-planned to-do list which can simply be taken out of the drawer when crisis or disaster strikes.

For the first initial support an information brochure is supplied to the crisis team to be handed out to the employees immediately after the crisis or disaster. This folder provides a starting point for framing their emotions and describes the next steps provided by Eupora's crisis assistance program. Immediate access to a free EAP telephone number is also provided (0800 number or 00800 internationally) so that direct and confidential contact can be made with local Eupora counselors. These counselors will preferably be a member of the crisis team, so they are acquainted with the specific circumstances of the company. This way they can also function as a sounding board for the other members of the crisis team.

24 till maximum 72 hours after a crisis or disaster, specialists from Eupora carry out an initial group debriefing with victims and/or other employees involved. Reliving the crisis or disaster in group and interpreting current or future emotions together is described in specialised literature as a crucial intervention in preventing or lessening the impact of traumas.

On an individual basis, victims or other parties involved can also use the EAP services (which were already available to them or may be temporarily made available for a defined time period).

After some 3 weeks a second group debriefing is carried out. Aside from the importance of continued contact with people going through the same emotions, a second group debriefing provides insight into which employees may still experience a strong impact on their daily functioning.

Employees who – even after the first initial support, the group debriefings and eventually the EAP sessions – are still struggling with the coping process, are referred to specialised professionals. The costs thereof are not included in the CAP and are at the expense of the employee.

If so wished, Eupora can assist in the organization of a memorial event on the anniversary of the crisis or disaster. Such rituals are extremely important for a healthy grieving process.

For the company’s crisis team members Eupora provides regular moments of intervision and training.

Advantages for the employer

o A concrete action plan customised for the company
o Clear guidelines for doing the right things in often chaotic moments
o A proper, well-trained team adapted to the company’s needs and situation, which can take the right actions immediately after a crisis or disaster and thus provide a first initial support of good quality
o Reduced impact of the crisis or disaster on personal and professional functioning of victims, other parties involved and staff members in general
o Professional and specialised support in organising debriefings and memorial events
o An addition to the company’s disaster plan ensuring due consideration is taken for psychological aspects
o …

Advantages for the employee

o Quick and specialised support during the first few weeks after the crisis/disaster, an extremely sensitive period for preventing traumas
o Being able to frame often intense and confusing emotions after a crisis or disaster
o Access to the EAP services of Eupora
o Not have to look for the most appropriate professional support yourself should it become apparent that specialised help is needed after the first interventions/EAP services
o …

The CAP can also be purchased separately from the Employee Assistance Program.

Eupora offers CAP services in Dutch, French or English in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and French-speaking Switzerland. Through its international partners, services can be offered in countries worldwide.