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Beat the Heat: Understanding Heat Stress and Heat Stroke

As the summer sun beats down, municipal employees who work outdoors face a heightened risk of heat exhaustion. From sanitation workers to road maintenance crews, these individuals are on the frontline, ensuring our communities run smoothly despite the sweltering heat. Understanding how to prevent heat stress and heat stroke is not just about comfort; it’s about safety and well-being. Here are essential strategies for municipal employees to stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses. Anyone performing physical or athletic activities on hot or humid summer days is at risk for heat-related illnesses. Those likely to be in danger include municipal, fire, police, and public school employees and students. Heat stress, especially heat stroke, can be life-threatening. Luckily, they are almost always preventable.

Who is at risk?

CONN-OSHA recommends that public employers:

Hydration is Key

Dress for the Weather

CIRMA urges its members to implement a heat-related illness prevention program to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Consider starting with CIRMA’s new Heat Stress FAQ sheet. Also check out OSHA’s web resources on occupational heat exposures and preventative measures, and the University of Connecticut/Korey Stringer Institute’s information on heat-related illnesses and student athletics.

CIRMA’s online training includes courses that specifically address heat safety and working in hot weather. If you are not already set up to use CIRMA Online Training, please contact MConnelly@ccm-ct.org to get started today.

Water You Waiting For? Proper Hydration Can Curtail Summer Losses and Keep Employees Safe.

As temperatures rise across Connecticut, so do the risks and the costs associated with heat-related illnesses. Over the past five years alone, Connecticut municipalities have experienced more than $150 million in medical expense losses tied to dehydration and heat exhaustion claims.

These are not just numbers. They represent preventable incidents that impact employee health, productivity, and municipal budgets.

Why This Matters Now

Outdoor employees, public works crews, first responders, and even indoor employees in non-climate-controlled environments face increased risk during the summer months. The good news is that most heat-related illnesses are entirely preventable with awareness, early intervention, and a culture that prioritizes hydration and safety.

Understanding how heat impacts the body and how to respond can significantly reduce risk. CIRMA provides guidance on recognizing and treating serious conditions like heat stroke in its Heat Stress and Heat Stroke resource, along with practical prevention strategies. Additional guidance, including employer responsibilities and prevention protocols, can be found in this Heat Illness Prevention FAQ.

Know the Early Warning Signs

Heat-related illnesses often begin subtly but can escalate quickly if ignored. Training supervisors and employees to recognize early symptoms can make a meaningful difference.

Common Early Indicators

Escalating Warning Signs

If symptoms progress or an employee loses consciousness, call 911 immediately. Fast action can prevent serious complications.

Prevention Is the Best Protection

A proactive approach protects employees and reduces costly claims. Reinforce these simple but effective practices:

CIRMA’s online training includes courses that specifically address heat safety and working in hot weather. If you are not already set up to use CIRMA Online Training, please contact MConnelly@ccm-ct.org to get started today.

The Bottom Line

Heat-related incidents and claims are largely avoidable, but only if organizations take them seriously. By recognizing the signs early and promoting proper hydration, municipalities can protect their workforce, reduce losses, and maintain safe operations during the hottest days.

Do not wait for a preventable incident. Make hydration a priority today.

Respect the Zone: A Commitment to Work Zone Safety

Most of us drive through work zones without giving them much thought. We slow down a little, follow the cones, and keep moving. But every time you enter a work zone, you step into a high-risk environment where your decisions matter more than you might realize. In 2023, 899 people were killed in work zones across the United States. These are not just numbers. They represent drivers, passengers, and workers whose lives were cut short in incidents that could often have been prevented. 

Why This Week Matters

For nearly three decades, National Work Zone Awareness Week has focused on one goal: helping people understand the real risks in work zones and how to reduce them. This year’s theme, “Safe Actions Save Lives,” is simple and direct. It reflects a truth that is easy to overlook. Safety in work zones is not just the responsibility of road crews or traffic planners. It belongs to every driver on the road.

The 2026 week includes several key events:

Each is designed to draw attention to a problem that continues to affect communities across the country.

A Common Misconception

When people think about work zone crashes, they often assume the victims are construction workers. In reality, most fatalities involve drivers and their passengers. The greatest opportunity to improve safety starts with driver behavior. Work zones can disrupt the normal rhythm of driving. Lanes shift. Speeds drop. Traffic can stop suddenly. When drivers are distracted or moving too fast, even for a moment, the risk rises significantly.

What Safe Driving Looks Like in a Work Zone

The good news is that safer outcomes come down to a few consistent behaviors:

These actions may seem basic, but they are exactly what prevent serious crashes.

Turning Awareness into Action

CIRMA is committed to helping members reduce risk and protect their people. That commitment comes to life through practical, accessible resources that support real-world decision-making. Members are encouraged to consult guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition, which provides nationally recognized standards for traffic control and work zone safety. 

CIRMA also offers targeted learning opportunities that meet employees where they are:

These trainings are designed to build awareness, reinforce best practices, and support safer decisions in the moments that matter most. For those ready to get started or expand access, CIRMA’s e-Learning center offers a centralized hub for training and education, available to members at no cost. 

Why It Matters for Your Organization

For municipalities, school districts, and public service teams, work zone safety is part of everyday operations. Employees are often on the road, responding to situations and serving the community. Providing them with the right training and reinforcing safe driving habits helps reduce accidents, protect employees, and limit unnecessary costs and liability. Using CIRMA’s training platform is a simple step that can make a meaningful impact across your organization.

The Takeaway

Work zones are temporary, but the consequences of unsafe driving are not. The next time you approach one, take a moment to reset your focus. Slow down. Pay attention. Be ready for change. It is a small shift in behavior that can make a lasting difference. Because when it comes to work zones, safe actions save lives. The commitment to safe driving through work zones is particularly vital for those providing essential services to the community and for minimizing motor vehicle accidents.   

Has your municipality or school board taken advantage of the many benefits available through CIRMA’s exclusive online training and education platform? CIRMA Risk Management offers robust training that includes awareness of and statistics on vehicle accidents, as well as best practices for safe driving operations. 

To get started, please contact CIRMA Risk Management to set up your exclusive CIRMA e-Learning account and explore CIRMA’s training courses. Take advantage of this exclusive resource, available as part of your CIRMA Membership.  

Sprains and Strains; A Preventable Workplace Exposure

Sprain and strain injuries are the most common and costly workplace injuries. Employees can injure their knee, shoulder, wrist, or back while performing everyday work-related tasks.

So what are Sprains?

A sprain is an injury to a ligament (tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). In a sprain, one or more ligaments are stretched or torn.

What are Strains?

A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone). In a strain, a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.

The Causes of Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains can happen suddenly or develop over time. Employees exposed to causative risk factors are more likely to develop a sprain or strain injury.

CIRMA members have reported approximately 11,500 claims over the past five years. While sprain and strain injuries can be frequent and significant to your public entity, the personal costs to the injured employees can be higher. Many are often left in chronic pain or permanently disabled.

The good news is that there are many easy-to-implement and practical steps that municipal and school leaders can take to protect employees. CIRMA members have reduced the number of sprain and strain injuries to employees by 16% over the past five years through resources that educate on avoiding these types of injuries.

Education is key to mitigating risk—download CIRMA’s new workplace safety posters to help raise awareness about injury prevention.  

Safe Lifting

Preventing Injuries

Managing Sprains and Strains

Easy Ergonomics

Access CIRMA’s online portal for more important employee training and education tools and resources on relevant seasonal topics.

How to Support Social and Emotional Wellness in the Workplace

The stigma attached to mental health plays a pivotal role in negative mental health outcomes, alongside limited access to services and misconceptions about the nature and effectiveness of mental health treatment. Numerous employees in public entities encounter trauma due to their work-related experiences. This may encompass secondary trauma, which refers to the emotional strain individuals undergo when exposed to firsthand traumatic incidents recounted by others. Furthermore, the impact of stress and trauma can be greatly magnified when employees lack mental health support from their employers.

Failure to cultivate a workplace culture that advocates for mental health can subject employers to legal risks, including claims of workplace violence or failure to provide a safe working environment under employment laws and regulations. This emphasizes the importance of cultivating a workplace culture that promotes mental health.

Providing social and emotional health resources or strengthening your entity’s current offerings can bring about meaningful changes. Prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential for promoting a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. It’s not just about complying with regulations; it’s about creating a workplace culture that values and supports employees’ mental well-being. Addressing the stigma of mental health in the workplace requires a multifaceted approach that involves raising awareness, implementing supportive policies and practices, and fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

Individuals with mental health conditions, including both children and adults, may also have additional risk factors for violent behaviors, influenced by various factors at the individual, family, community, and societal levels. According to SchoolSafety.gov, up to 1 in 5 children in the United States experience a mental health condition each year. Schools are crucial in cultivating safety and improving at-risk students’ behavioral outcomes. By leveraging resources to support the mental health needs of students, educators, and staff, schools can contribute to a safer learning environment. Consequently, improving access to mental health services can contribute to making schools safer.

Municipalities should actively promote the utilization of their Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). EAPs play a critical role in supporting employee well-being by offering confidential counseling and assistance for various personal and work-related challenges. By investing in EAPs and encouraging their utilization, municipal leaders can create healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces for the benefit of their employees and the community as a whole.

District and school administrators play a critical role in improving mental health needs by offering instruction that enhances awareness of mental health and social and emotional development. Connecticut General Statute (C.G.S.) 10-222h addresses the school district’s efforts in prevention and response to bullying in schools. Connecticut local and regional boards of education shall collect the school climate assessments for each school and establish a school climate committee to develop and implement a safe school climate plan to address bullying in schools.

District and school leadership have the discretion to choose a social-emotional learning model that fits the needs of their students and the overall school climate. CIRMA Risk Management does not endorse any particular organization that provides social and emotional learning resources. However, below are some organizations to consider that focus on the education of social and emotional learning:

CIRMA encourages its members to use the following resources to promote mental health:

The stigma attached to mental health, alongside the challenge of recognizing mental health issues, hinders individuals from seeking the necessary mental health services. Municipal and educational leaders have the potential to be proactive in preventing mental health crises by providing social and emotional support and education to their employees and students. Adopting easy-to-implement best practices, such as promoting the utilization of EAPs and focusing on the education of social and emotional learning, is particularly vital for the well-being of students and employees to minimize the risks of untreated mental health conditions.

Have questions? We’re here to help. CIRMA Risk Management offers robust training and education resources that feature mental health awareness and provide best practices for employees to protect their mental health. 

Has your municipality or school board taken advantage of the many benefits available through CIRMA’s online training and education platform for its members? Our e-Learning Center for more information or contact CIRMA Risk Management to get started and set up an e-learning account today. CIRMA e-Learning is an exclusive benefit offered to CIRMA members.

Nationally, police pursuits injure thousands each year and cause an average of one fatality every day, many involving uninvolved motorists or pedestrians. For municipal leaders and law enforcement professionals, these numbers underscore a critical truth: defensive driving and consistently enforced policies are foundational to public safety and sound risk management. 

Why Defensive Driving Matters in Police Operations

Police operations often require officers to make rapid, complex decisions under pressure. Vehicle operations, whether emergency response, patrol, or active pursuits, are among the highest-risk activities an officer performs. Without clear, up-to-date policy guidance and consistent training, the likelihood of preventable crashes, injuries, and liability exposure increases dramatically.

A strong municipal defensive driving policy protects:

When departments reinforce defensive driving principles, they strengthen decision-making long before the emergency lights turn on.

Practical Tips for Reinforcing Safe Vehicle Operation

While every agency’s policy and community needs differ, several best practices help ensure safer operations across the board:

1. Prioritize Regular Policy Review

Laws evolve. Technology advances. Community expectations change. Policies should never sit untouched on a shelf. Annual reviews—and updates when needed—ensure officers always operate under the most current standards. 

2. Reinforce Training Early and Often

Clear policies mean little without hands-on reinforcement. Scenario-based training, emergency vehicle operation courses (EVOC), and tabletop exercises help officers internalize guidance so they respond instinctively and safely in the field.

3. Emphasize Decision-Making Over Speed

Safe driving practices focus on continual officer assessment:

Slowing down is often the clearest demonstration of an officer’s judgment.

4. Communicate Expectations Across the Agency

Consistent enforcement of policy builds trust and ensures all personnel operate from the same playbook.

5. Document, Debrief, Improve

Every incident is an opportunity to learn. Proper documentation and post-incident debriefs help agencies identify vulnerabilities before they lead to employee injuries or claims. CIRMA supports departments through this ongoing improvement cycle by conducting policy reviews, risk assessments, and providing targeted training services. 

Policy, Leadership, and Culture: A Three-Part Equation

 Policies outline procedures and reflect the department’s values. Leaders set the tone by prioritizing safety, reinforcing expectations, and modeling the professionalism they expect from their officers.

A strong safety culture:

CIRMA Risk Management partners with Connecticut law enforcement agencies to strengthen exactly this culture of safety. Through expert policy review, customized training, and risk-based guidance, CIRMA helps departments reduce exposures while supporting the mission of protecting officers and the public.

Has your department taken advantage of CIRMA’s defensive driving and e-learning programs?
Contact your CIRMA Risk Management representative today to schedule training or access CIRMA’s 24/7 online learning platform.

CIRMA offers comprehensive defensive driver training resources for law enforcement personnel. Our robust training and education tools feature awareness and statistics of police vehicle accidents, a review of state statutes, and risk management best practices because every safe decision behind the wheel moves us one step closer to a safer, stronger Connecticut.

Training and Education You Can Trust

We’re dedicated to delivering the best possible resources for Connecticut’s Blue. CIRMA helps Connecticut law enforcement and emergency personnel continue to be the best at what they do through tailored risk management services and customized training and education programs—all at no additional cost to CIRMA-member employees and volunteers.

Our e-learning programs offer the latest education and insights on existing and emerging issues to help prepare our local heroes to face the challenges of a changing world. CIRMA members enjoy access to robust and relevant eLearning courses delivered through our partnership with Vector Solutions, an award-winning training management system. 

Get Started


A Vital Skill For Every Officer

A patrol car speeds toward an emergency call. Lights flash, the radio crackles, and adrenaline surges. In that moment, every decision behind the wheel matters.

For law enforcement officers, driving is a critical operational skill, often performed under pressure. Yet motor vehicle incidents continue to rank among the leading causes of line-of-duty death in the United States. These tragedies are preventable through consistent training, disciplined driving, and a culture that prioritizes safety above all.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 331 officers lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes over the past decade. Encouragingly, the 2025 Law Enforcement Fatalities Mid-Year Report found a 50 percent decrease in officers killed in traffic-related incidents during the first half of 2025: 13 fatalities compared to 26 during the same period in 2024. Of those, five were automobile crashes, six were struck-by incidents, and two involved motorcycles.

The decline is a positive sign, but every number represents a life and a department forever changed.

Why Defensive Driving Matters

Defensive driving is essential for law enforcement officers who face high-risk conditions every time they get behind the wheel. Connecticut’s 6,700 municipal police officers, across more than 90 departments statewide, routinely operate emergency vehicles in demanding environments. Even with strong training programs, officers continue to encounter behavior-related hazards that elevate their risk of crashes, including:

Defensive driving training helps officers anticipate and respond safely to changing road and environmental conditions and builds emotional control during high-stress responses, ensuring officers maintain clear judgment and full awareness.

Practical Principles for Safer Operations

Defensive driving begins before the vehicle moves. It is both a technical skill and a professional mindset. Key principles include:

  1. Control speed and space. Approach intersections with caution, even when responding to emergencies. Managing speed saves lives.
  2. Eliminate distractions. Technology aids policing, but attention must remain fully on the road.
  3. Always wear your seatbelt. It is the simplest and most effective safety measure available.
  4. Manage stress and maintain vision. Recognize tunnel vision during high-stress moments and consciously scan your environment.
  5. Train regularly. Ongoing instruction keeps driving skills sharp and reinforces best practices.

By making these actions routine, officers protect themselves, their partners, and the communities they serve.

Leadership, Culture, and Accountability

A culture of safe driving begins with leadership. Command staff and municipal executives shape expectations through policies, supervision, and example. When leaders emphasize safety and model defensive driving practices, that commitment cascades through the entire department.

CIRMA supports these efforts through a wide range of risk management and training programs, including:

These resources address the full scope of driving risk, from civil liability and model policies to state statutes and officer wellness. Training empowers officers and command staff alike to make informed decisions that reduce risk and prevent accidents.

A Shared Responsibility for Safer Roads

Every officer shares responsibility for creating safer roads. Defensive driving is not a one-time certification; it is a discipline that requires continual awareness and personal accountability. By promoting consistent education and a culture of vigilance, law enforcement agencies can further reduce risk and protect their greatest asset—their people.

Has your department taken advantage of CIRMA’s defensive driving and e-learning programs?
Contact your CIRMA Risk Management representative today to schedule training or access CIRMA’s 24/7 online learning platform.

CIRMA offers comprehensive defensive driver training resources for law enforcement personnel. Our robust training and education tools feature awareness and statistics of police vehicle accidents, a review of state statutes, and risk management best practices because every safe decision behind the wheel moves us one step closer to a safer, stronger Connecticut.

Training and Education You Can Trust

We’re dedicated to delivering the best possible resources for Connecticut’s Blue. CIRMA helps Connecticut law enforcement and emergency personnel continue to be the best at what they do through tailored risk management services and customized training and education programs—all at no additional cost to CIRMA-member employees and volunteers.

Our e-learning programs offer the latest education and insights on existing and emerging issues to help prepare our local heroes to face the challenges of a changing world. CIRMA members enjoy access to robust and relevant eLearning courses delivered through our partnership with Vector Solutions, an award-winning training management system. 

Get Started


Sometimes, it only takes one weak password to open the door to a significant cyber incident.

In one case highlighted by Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, the lack of enforced multifactor authentication (MFA) gave cybercriminals the opportunity they needed. Using stolen credentials, a financially motivated actor gained access to a system filled with high-value data. Combined with outdated password policies and a bit of bad luck, it created the perfect storm for a cyberattack. The lesson is clear: turning on MFA can make all the difference. By adding one simple step to your login process, you can stop most unauthorized access attempts before they start.

Your Digital Double Lock

Think of MFA, also known as two-step verification or two-factor authentication, as a second lock on your digital door. Even if someone steals your password, they still need another form of verification to get in.

Enabling MFA is quick and straightforward:

  1. Turn it on across your accounts and devices using an authenticator app or your mobile phone.
  2. Choose your method—you might enter a code sent by text or email, or use biometric verification such as a fingerprint or face scan.

Whenever you see the option to enable MFA, take it. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your email, financial accounts, social media, and identity.

Cyber Awareness: The First Line of Defense

Technology helps, but awareness and education are just as important. That is why CIRMA offers a Cyber Webinar Series to help members strengthen their cybersecurity knowledge. These sessions cover practical topics such as creating strong passwords, spotting phishing attempts, enabling MFA, and protecting sensitive data.

CIRMA also supports national efforts from organizations such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance, both of which promote Cybersecurity Awareness Month each October. Their free online materials, including training videos and downloadable guides, offer helpful advice for building stronger cyber habits.

Training That Fits Your Schedule

Protecting your organization does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. CIRMA’s exclusive online training and education platform gives members 24/7 access to e-learning resources on cybersecurity and other essential risk management topics. Has your municipality or school board taken advantage of these opportunities? Contact your CIRMA Risk Management representative to get started and learn more about CIRMA’s Cyber Webinar Series, available through the Vector Solutions platform.

This training resource helps employees understand cyber risks, prevent costly incidents, and build a stronger culture of cybersecurity awareness.

One Simple Step, Lasting Protection

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but your defenses can evolve too. By enabling multifactor authentication, staying informed, and encouraging regular employee training, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Small actions, like turning on MFA, can have a significant impact. Together, we can build a safer and more secure digital community for everyone.

Additional Resources:

CISA

Secure Our World: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world

Turn on MFA: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/turn-mfa

Stay Safer with Multifactor Authentication: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/Secure-Our-World-MFA-Tip-Sheet.pdf

National Cybersecurity Alliance

Enable MFA: Your Online Security Seatbelt https://www.staysafeonline.org/events/enable-mfa-your-online-security-seatbelt

National Cybersecurity Alliance: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: https://www.staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month

Verizon 2025 Data Breach Investigation Report 

https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/T94f/reports/2025-dbir-data-breach-investigations-report.pdf

Cyber Resources Created for CIRMA Members:

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Reporting Cyber Crimes
 Download File
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Faces of Cyber Crime
 Download File
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e-Learning Target Solutions
 Download File
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Cyber Flyer
 Download File
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Cyber Whitepaper
 Download File
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Security Resources
 Download File
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Four Point Risk
 Download File
red cirma icon
Increased Geopolitical Threats
 Download File

According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, attackers are logging in rather than hacking in. Passwords are the first line of defense between a criminal and sensitive information, and weak or reused passwords remain the most common way criminals gain unauthorized access to accounts. 

Unfortunately, many individuals still choose passwords that include personal details or are reused across multiple platforms. This practice leaves employees and organizations vulnerable to data breaches, identity theft, and even system hijacking. For public entities that maintain hundreds of thousands of records containing personally identifiable information, the risks are exceptionally high. Creating strong, unique passwords is one of the most effective ways to defend against cyberattacks. While threat actors use sophisticated tools to ‘crack’ passwords, choosing complex, secure passwords and protecting them appropriately can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to your entity’s data.

By following best practices for creating secure passwords and utilizing a password manager, public entities can more effectively safeguard sensitive records and mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Creating strong passwords and securing them with a password manager

  1. Make Passwords Long: Consider using the longest password permissible whenever possible (at least 16 characters) 
  2. Create Random Passwords: Consider choosing passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols to reduce the risk of hacking. Consider trying different variations of a passphrase, but avoid common phrases, famous quotations, and song lyrics. For example: T9v#R2q!L8m@X4pZ
  3. Make Passwords Unique: Consider using phonetic replacements, such as “ph” instead of “F.” Use an exclamation point (!) to replace the letters (I) or (L), or make deliberate misspellings, such as “enjin” instead of “engine.” 
  4. Use a Password Manager: Strong passwords can be challenging to remember. Consider using a password manager to securely store strong passwords, rather than saving them on your computer. 

CIRMA’s Cyber Webinar Series helps members enhance their overall cybersecurity awareness by covering a wide range of topics, including creating strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, recognizing phishing attempts, and safeguarding sensitive data. In addition, national organizations such as CISA and the National Cybersecurity Alliance support Cybersecurity Awareness Month with initiatives that include educational PDFs, training videos, and other resources. These materials offer practical guidance on best practices to mitigate risk and foster a stronger cybersecurity culture.

Conclusion

Training and education remain the most effective defense against cybercrimes, and knowing how to protect yourself and your organization is easier than ever. Learn at your own pace and when and where you choose with CIRMA’s e-learning resources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CIRMA Risk Management offers a Cyber Webinar Series through its exclusive CIRMA member Vector Solutions platform. This robust training and education tool features cybersecurity-related online training courses and webinars proven to educate employees and reduce costly and disruptive cybercrimes, including phishing attacks. Has your municipality or school board taken advantage of the many benefits available through CIRMA’s exclusive online training and education platform? Contact your local CIRMA Risk Management representative to get started today.

Resources

Secure Our World: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world

Use Strong Passwords: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords

Create Strong Passwords: https://www.staysafeonline.org/events/create-strong-passwords-(and-actually-remember-them)

National Cybersecurity Alliance: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: https://www.staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month

Check out CIRMA’s Cyber Center to learn how CIRMA can help your organization prevent and manage cyber exposures.

Cyber Resources Created for CIRMA Members:

red cirma icon
Reporting Cyber Crimes
 Download File
red cirma icon
Faces of Cyber Crime
 Download File
red cirma icon
e-Learning Target Solutions
 Download File
red cirma icon
Cyber Flyer
 Download File
red cirma icon
Cyber Whitepaper
 Download File
red cirma icon
Security Resources
 Download File
red cirma icon
Four Point Risk
 Download File
red cirma icon
Increased Geopolitical Threats
 Download File

Social and Emotional Wellness at Work; How Does Your Entity Measure Up?

The adoption of workplace social and emotional health programs skyrocketed over the past two years due to heightened visibility during the pandemic when remote and high-risk work environments caused or exacerbated employees’ psychological and behavioral health issues. 

As lines continue to blur between work and home life, personal stressors such as financial strain, childcare concerns, and other obstacles can also weigh heavily on the minds of your staff and colleagues. In addition, the effects of stress and trauma can be significantly compounded if an individual does not have stable, positive relationships at work.

Providing social and emotional health programs and resources or enhancing your entity’s existing offerings can make a world of difference. In addition, employees who actively foster social and emotional health within their organizations can help nurture an inclusive and positive culture that will yield significant benefits over time. Below are a few examples to consider:

Recommendations for Improving Social and Emotional Health at Work

1) Be a model for the social and emotional culture you want to see in your organization. Some of your coworkers will prefer to remain private and keep to themselves while managing difficult situations. However, if welcomed, take an active interest in your colleagues’ lives and overall well-being. Engage in routine wellness checks and provide appropriate levels of support when needed to help build trust and provide an emotional safety net for future times of crisis.

2) Make it easy for employees to know whom to talk to or where to go to access social and emotional health resources. Time and time again, studies reveal that what employees want the most in the workplace is training and more easily accessible information about where to go or whom to ask about mental health support. Ensure that all employees understand how they can access emotional support tools and resources within your organization; resources can include an appointed delegate who is equipped to guide personnel to these resources.

3) Establish an employee assistance program. Organizations will typically utilize an employee assistance program to support workplace social and emotional health. Extending these benefits to immediate family members can increase employee effectiveness and increase utilization. In addition, form a working group to help identify needs for more tailored solutions that will best serve your entity’s needs; members of this working group can also assist in implementing these resources, serving as program stewards.

4) Establish a peer-to-peer program. Peer-to-Peer programs have proven effective in providing employees with a productive outlet to discuss social and emotional issues they might be dealing with. In addition, peers can often empathize with their colleagues’ feelings because their experiences are often similar.

Many of us spend a significant percentage of our lives at work—and if someone is struggling with social and emotional concerns, it can be challenging to put them aside and try to ignore them while on the job. However, by implementing the recommendations outlined above, you can help your colleagues and staff be the best versions of themselves— in the office, at home, and beyond.

Have questions about social and emotional health and wellness within your public entity? Contact your Risk Management professional for more information.