Dear Colleagues:
Periods of change and uncertainty can affect employees in many ways, both professionally and personally. During these times, managers play an important role in helping foster a supportive, compassionate, and responsive work environment. UCLA’s Staff & Faculty Counseling Center (SFCC) has developed guidance to help managers support employees with empathy, awareness, and care while also attending to their own well-being as leaders.
Managers are not expected to serve as counselors. However, they can make a meaningful difference by listening with empathy, recognizing common reactions to change, encouraging healthy coping strategies, and connecting employees with available resources when needed. To support this, the guidance encourages managers to check in privately and respectfully, focus on observed behaviors rather than assumptions, and express genuine concern and support. Additionally, it reminds managers not to diagnose, label, or pressure employees to share personal information.
Managers and supervisors who are concerned that an employee may pose a risk to themselves or others, or significantly disrupt the workplace, should contact UCLA’s Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at 1-855-299-9248 (1-855-299-9BIT) or uclabit@chr.ucla.edu. For emergency situations or an immediate threat to health and safety, call 911.
In addition, the guidance emphasizes leader self-care. Leading through uncertainty is challenging. Managers should practice emotional intelligence, prioritize their well-being, seek support when needed, and recognize both personal and team successes.
The UCLA Staff & Faculty Counseling Center (SFCC) is a confidential resource available to UCLA staff, faculty, and their adult household family members. Employees seeking support should contact SFCC for individual counseling and referral services. SFCC also provides consultation and guidance to leaders who are supporting teams through uncertainty and change or have concerns about employee well-being. Leaders are encouraged to utilize SFCC services and refer employees for additional support when appropriate.
All SFCC services are voluntary, confidential, and free of charge. To schedule a confidential appointment or consultation, please call (310) 794-0245 or visit our website.
Sincerely,
Angela DiBlasi, LCSW, PCC
Director
Staff & Faculty Counseling Center