How to Support Employees During Crisis: 9 Strategies for Employers and Employees

Rising prices and other issues made it harder for workers to afford necessities. Flexible benefits, wellness programs and fair compensation can help companies ease the load during uncertain times.

The past few years have been tough for American workers. Inflation has driven up the cost of everything—groceries, rent, gas—making it harder for many to afford even the basics. 

For businesses, this financial strain isn't just a personal struggle for employees; it extends into the workplace, affecting productivity, morale, and retention. 

That's why understanding how to support employees during crisis is more important than ever. When companies step up with nice strategies, they create a more resilient, committed workforce.

9 Strategies to Support Employees During Crisis

When times get difficult, the workplace can either be a source of additional stress or a place of support and stability. Inflation, and financial uncertainty have made it harder for many employees to keep up with everyday expenses, leading to increased anxiety and burnout. 

But there’s good news: there are practical, meaningful ways to provide that support. From open communication to financial assistance, here are nine strategies that businesses can implement to create a workplace where employees feel valued and secure, improving overall satisfaction.

1. Open and Honest Communication

Uncertainty fuels anxiety, and during times of crises, employees need clear, transparent updates. Keeping employees informed about company decisions, changes in benefits, or workplace policies, fosters trust and reduces stress. 

Regular check-ins, all-hands meetings, and open-door policies allow employees to ask questions and feel heard.

2. Show Empathy and Be Accessible

Good leadership in crisis management means checking in on employees, listening to their concerns, and offering solutions where possible. A simple "how are you doing?” can go a long way in making employees feel supported.

Managers who lead with empathy and make themselves available create a place where employees feel safe to express their struggles.

3. Flexible Work Arrangements

For many employees, rigid schedules add unnecessary pressure when they're already going through external challenges. Work flexibility, such as remote work options, adjusted hours, or compressed workweeks, can alleviate some of that stress. These policies can improve job satisfaction and productivity, strengthening overall workplace resilience.

4. Prioritize Well-being and Mental Health

Stress, anxiety, and burnout have become more common, making employee well-being a priority. Providing mental health resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), therapy sessions, or stress management workshops, can make a significant difference.

A workplace that values mental health fosters a stronger, more engaged team.

5. Offer Financial Assistance

When inflation makes essentials harder to afford, direct financial support can be a lifeline. Some companies provide hardship funds, advance pay options, or emergency grants for employees facing serious financial difficulties. These programs show that leadership understands real-life struggles and is willing to take action to support their teams.

6. Provide Meal Subsidy Program

One simple but powerful way to support staff is by helping with food costs. Providing meal stipends, free lunches, or discounts on healthy food options helps to ease financial stress and ensures employees have access to nourishing meals. A well-feed team is a more focused and energized team. 

Read More: Budget Constraints? Here's Why You Should Keep Meal Benefits

7. Create a Supportive Community

Encouraging cooperation, mentorship programs, or support groups can help employees navigate difficult times together. A strong organization culture rooted in support and camaraderie makes employees more resilient during uncertain periods. 

8. Offer Individualized Support

Every employee faces unique challenges, so a one-size-fits-all approach may not work. Offering personalized solutions, such as adjusting workloads, or providing extra time off, can help people manage their personal and professional lives more effectively. Human resources teams and managers should be proactive in identifying individual needs.

9. Gather Feedback

To truly support employees during a crisis, companies must listen. Anonymous surveys, one-on-one meetings, and open forums give employees a voice and help organizations understand what's working and what's missing. Effective leadership means continuously improving support strategies based on real employee experiences.

Long-Term Benefits of a Supportive Workplace Culture

Crisis support should be a core part of an organization's approach to people management. Challenges like inflation, economic downturns, or even personal hardships don’t disappear overnight. Moreover, the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) found that 63% of employers recognize poor financial literacy as a significant risk to employee well-being.

Ongoing support, through strong crisis communication, flexible policies, and well-being programs, ensures that employees don't just survive difficult periods, but actually recover and thrive.

This approach benefits businesses as well. People who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay, reducing turnover costs and preserving institutional knowledge. A company that integrates support strategies into its everyday culture fosters trust, stability, and commitment. This means continuing mental health resources, maintaining work flexibility, regularly assessing financial aid options, and keeping open channels for employee feedback.

How to Implement These Strategies?

Knowing how to support employees during crisis is one thing—putting it into action is another. The key to making these strategies work is consistency, adaptability, and clear communication. Here's how businesses can take meaningful steps to create a lasting culture and workplace resilience. 

1. Make leadership accountable: Support starts at the top. Leaders and managers must be trained in crisis communication and emotional support so they can effectively guide their teams during difficult times. 
2. Develop clear policies and resources: Whether it's work flexibility, financial assistance, or mental health at work initiatives, organizations should have clear guidelines. 
3. Foster a culture of open communication: Encourage regular check-ins, anonymous surveys, or town halls where employees can share their experience and provide feedback. An organization that listens is an organization that grows. 
4. Partner with experts and service providers: Companies don't have to do it all alone. For example, meal benefits are a simple yet impactful way to ease financial stress, and partnering with services like Picnic can help employers provide high-quality meal solutions for their teams. 
5. Regular review and improve support programs: Crises evolve, and so should crisis management strategies. Conducting routine assessments on the impact of well-being programs and employee empowerment initiatives ensures they remain relevant.

Creating a Culture of Care: Where to Begin

Hard times don’t just disappear overnight. Whether it’s inflation making paychecks stretch thinner or unexpected life challenges, employees need to know their workplace has their back. That’s what truly sets a great company apart: the ability to support employees during a crisis and beyond.

One of those small but powerful changes? Taking the stress out of daily meals. With Picnic, companies can provide fresh, convenient, and affordable food options, making life a little easier for employees. A well-fed team is a focused, happier team—and that’s a win for everyone.

If you’re ready to create a workplace that truly supports its people, start with Picnic today.