Layoffs, restructures, and personal loss leave employees unsure of who they are at work, and the managers around them often do not know what to say. This interactive session gives HR professionals a simple, nonclinical listening practice they can use themselves and teach to managers.

Participants practice a five minute listening exercise live, learn a three question check in that helps an employee name what they need, and work through short scenarios on when a conversation calls for a referral to the employee assistance program or a licensed professional. The session draws on the speaker's own experience rebuilding her life and building a company from the ground up, and every story ends in a practice attendees can use the next day.

This session is not therapy or diagnosis. It is practical, human skill building for the people who sit across from employees in hard seasons.