In an age of unpredictable global events and rapid change, an organization's most valuable asset is its ability to withstand and recover from crises. This training course is meticulously designed to equip HR leaders and business professionals with the strategic frameworks and practical tools needed to build a resilient workforce and manage crises with confidence. By mastering the principles of organizational psychology and crisis communication, you can move beyond reactive measures and proactively build a culture that is prepared to adapt, recover, and even thrive in the face of adversity. This program provides the essential blueprint for a new generation of leaders prepared to safeguard their people and their organization's long-term stability.

This comprehensive curriculum offers a practical deep dive into the human side of crisis management, from understanding the emotional impact on employees to designing robust response plans. You will learn how to use empathy and clear communication to maintain trust during an emergency, implement strategies to support employee well-being, and lead a workforce through periods of uncertainty. The course focuses on real-world scenarios and hands-on exercises, helping you to build the skills necessary to coordinate with executive teams, communicate with all stakeholders, and ensure business continuity. By the end of this program, you will not only be proficient in crisis management best practices but also be prepared to champion a culture of resilience and secure your organization’s future.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• HR directors and managers
• Employee relations specialists
• Organizational development specialists
• Senior executives and operations managers
• Communications and public relations professionals
• Risk management and compliance professionals
• Business continuity specialists
• Team leaders and supervisors
• Project managers
• Anyone responsible for managing or supporting employees during a crisis

Objectives

• Understand the foundational concepts of workforce resilience.
• Master a comprehensive framework for crisis response management.
• Develop a strategic communication plan for various crisis scenarios.
• Navigate the emotional and psychological impact of a crisis on employees.
• Implement support systems for employee well-being and mental health.
• Coordinate with executive teams and stakeholders during an emergency.
• Conduct a post-crisis review to identify lessons learned.
• Build a culture of adaptability, preparedness, and resilience.
• Build a personal toolkit for leading with empathy and clarity during a crisis.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of Workforce Resilience

• The link between workforce resilience and business continuity.
• The psychology of crisis and the human response to stress.
• The seven pillars of an organizationally resilient workforce.
• The role of HR in building a proactive culture of preparedness.
• Case studies of organizations that have successfully managed crises.

Module 2: A Crisis Response Management Framework

• The three phases of crisis management: pre-crisis, in-crisis, post-crisis.
• Developing a cross-functional crisis management team.
• The importance of a clear chain of command and roles and responsibilities.
• Creating a strategic roadmap and timeline for your response.
• The role of scenario planning and tabletop exercises.

Module 3: Crisis Communication Strategy

• The critical role of communication during a crisis.
• Crafting a clear, consistent, and empathetic message.
• Building a communication plan for internal and external stakeholders.
• The importance of transparent and timely communication.
• Strategies for listening to feedback and addressing misinformation.

Module 4: Employee Well-being and Support

• The impact of a crisis on employee mental health and morale.
• Implementing support systems: EAPs, counseling, and peer support.
• Training managers to identify and support employees in distress.
• The importance of a flexible and empathetic approach to work.
• Post-crisis support and a focus on long-term recovery.

Module 5: Leading Through Uncertainty

• The role of leadership in a crisis: staying calm and decisive.
• Communicating with candor, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
• Building a trusted advisory relationship with the executive team.
• Empowering employees to be part of the solution.
• Strategies for maintaining morale and purpose in difficult times.

Module 6: Business Continuity and Recovery

• The link between workforce resilience and business continuity.
• Identifying critical business functions and dependencies.
• Developing a plan for remote work and operational flexibility.
• The role of HR in managing payroll, benefits, and legal compliance during a crisis.
• Post-crisis recovery and a return to new ways of working.

Module 7: The Future of Crisis Management

• Emerging risks and how to prepare for them (e.g., cyberattacks, global pandemics).
• The role of technology in crisis management and communication.
• Building a sustainable and scalable framework for resilience.
• The skills needed to be a successful crisis leader.
• A personal action plan for championing workforce resilience.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.