Supporting Teams Through Loss, Trauma, or Disruption

Lab leaders can find themselves helping their teams through situations no one feels fully prepared for. A sudden loss of funding may put jobs at risk. A round of layoffs can leave remaining staff unsure about what comes next. The death of an employee can affect a team long after the immediate crisis has passed. In moments like these, leaders still have to provide direction and support while they are processing the situation themselves.

This presentation will help leaders understand how to support their teams with care when difficult events affect both the work and the people doing it. Attendees will learn how to communicate honestly when answers are limited, recognize that employees may process the situation in different ways, and offer empathy while still giving the team the direction it needs.

The session will also address how leaders can help restore a sense of stability over time and recognize when employees may need support beyond what a manager can provide.

Key learnings

Attendees will learn how to:

• Communicate with teams during traumatic or highly disruptive events
• Provide appropriate support while maintaining clear leadership boundaries
• Balance immediate operational needs with the impact on employees
• Help teams regain stability and determine when additional support is needed