General Debriefing

Many organsations recognise the importance of supporting their staff during difficult times in order to maintain focus and productivity in the workplace.

General Debriefing Services can assist in re-aligning individuals with the changing direction or existing values of the organisation when:

• A significant change is to be announced to a group that affects their sense of security in the workplace. Debriefing services are usually made available following the announcement.
• Indivduals or a group of individuals exhibit symptoms of stress relating to conflict with colleagues or a line manager that has not been resolved through internal mechanisms.
• Redundancies or significant redeployment is undertaken as a result of a change process.
• The survivors of a change process are finding it difficult to move forward given the loss of colleagues and uncertainty about the future.

How can General Debriefing Services Help?

By implementing a general debriefing process, an organisation can :

• Diffuse the potential for emotionally charged situations
• Dissipate and normalise stress reactions
• Minimise resistant and/or disruptive behaviour
• Align staff perceptions with organisational reality
• Enable an amicable transition and / or separation for staff where necessary
• Minimises the incidence of sick leave, turnover and/or WorkCover claims
• Ensures those who need additional assistance receive the assistance

Benefits for the Organisation and Staff include:

• Assuring staff that their issues have been heard and understood.
• Being clearer about what is a normal response to a stressful issue
• Provision of advice on how to access further support if necessary.
• Providing managers with the opportunity to evaluate staff experiences and perceptions in line with their own understanding of the issues and interventions undertaken to date.
• Demonstrating the commitment the organisation has to support its employees in times of change or when presented with a stressful situation.
• Ensuring formal feedback is used to develop a strategy for ongoing management.

How does General Debriefing Services Work?

General Debriefing Services can be organised for an individual or group. It is provided by experienced debriefers who can assist the individuals to assess their situations from a personal and organisational perspective whilst providing strategies for coping and building resilience. It is normally a workplace based initiative delivered onsite at your premises.

The scope of service is determined by you. You can prescribe the duration and number of sessions available to the group or individual as well as any additional support services such as the EAP or Career Assist. These are often made available to affected staff post the debriefing process. The method for implementing the service and the type of feedback and reporting required by your organisation is discussed at the outset.

General Debriefing Services are funded on a fee for sevice or day rate based on cost competitive rates.