When an employee suddenly stops showing up, appears impaired at work or signals they may be in distress, managers are often the first to notice. Many workplaces, however, still lack a clear playbook for how to respond.

A new practical guide for employers outlines steps HR teams and supervisors can take to respond to employee crises while protecting workplace safety, meeting legal obligations and connecting employees with support. The recommendations include training managers to recognize warning signs, setting internal response procedures, understanding ADA and FMLA considerations, and using resources such as employee assistance programs and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

“Managers are not expected to diagnose a crisis, but they do need to recognize when something is wrong and know what to do next,” said Dave O’Neil, director of communications for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. “The worst time to figure out your response is in the middle of the emergency.” 4/13/2026