Thinking About THE UNTHINKABLE: Workplace Crisis Management

Abstract

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, made clear the need for employers and unions to have comprehensive crisis plans. Managers, workers, and union leaders must think about the “unthinkable” to ensure their own safety, protect their co-workers, and ensure the survival of their organizations.Not all crises can be avoided, but they can be managed. Thorough planning and effective communications are the keys to successful crisis management. In the aftermath of a crisis, meanwhile, it is essential to recognize the emotional toll that the event can have on everyone involved.