September is National Suicide Prevention Month

We Can All Prevent Suicide

Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.

Hope Can Happen

Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.

We Can All Take Action

Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.

Crisis Centers are Critical

By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can't cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they're important to be aware of.

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders

• Hopelessness

• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies

• History of trauma or abuse

• Major physical illnesses

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• Family history of suicide

• Job or financial loss

• Loss of relationship(s)

• Easy access to lethal means

• Local clusters of suicide

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

• Stigma associated with asking for help

• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

·       Withdrawing or isolating themselves

·       Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

·       Extreme mood swings

Where to go for HELP!

·       CALL 988!  That will connect you to the National Suicide Hotline immediately!

·       Utilize RRI Wests Employee Assistance Program – It’s FREE and available to all employees and their dependents. 

o   Visit liveandworkwell.com (enter the Guest Access Code LIFEBENSVS) Click on Benefits and Services >> EAP or call 1-866-302-4480 to speak with a counselor or schedule an appointment, 24/7/365.

·       Crisis Text Line: Test HELLO to 741741

·       Reach out to your primary care physician.  

Most of all - don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step. 

Check out the links below for more information:

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms 

https://988lifeline.org/ 

https://988lifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Suicide-Risk-Assessment-Standards-1.pdf?_ga=2.152399674.2024244582.1663358375-263656793.1663358375 

Emergency Lodging Assistance

Less than 5 minutes, once a month is all it takes to check your availability on the ELA site. Currently, we have 20 hotels showing as available, 8 hotels where the username or password is not valid, and 15 hotels with accounts that have been locked due to inactivity.

You must log in once a month to keep the account active. If you have not logged into the account in the last 365 days, your account will be locked. Hotels requiring program assistance can receive help by calling 1-866-545-9865 or emailing femahousing@corplodging.com.

You should have a reminder in your Outlook calendar to check the ELA site once a month. When there is an impending storm or threat of a disaster, you may need to check the site daily to ensure you are showing available rooms.

See the below for more detail:

ELA -Reminder - Newsletter 09.13.24

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Download DOCX • 214KB

Proactive Conflict Management: Enhancing Guest Satisfaction in the Hotel Industry

In the hotel industry, preparedness and effective conflict management are crucial to maintaining a high standard of guest satisfaction and ensuring a positive reputation. Conflicts can arise from various situations, such as misunderstandings, service delays, or unmet expectations. Having a well-prepared team equipped with the right skills to handle these challenges is essential for smooth operations and maintaining guest loyalty.

Anticipate Potential Conflicts: Preparation starts with anticipation. Regularly review common guest complaints and identify areas where conflicts frequently occur, such as check-in delays, billing disputes, or room cleanliness issues. By understanding these pain points, hotel management can implement proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of conflict.

Train Staff in Conflict Resolution Techniques: Equip your staff with effective conflict resolution skills. Training sessions should focus on active listening, empathy, and clear communication. Staff members should learn to remain calm, acknowledge the guest’s concerns, and propose viable solutions promptly. Role-playing exercises can help employees practice these techniques in a controlled environment, building confidence for real-world situations.

Empower Employees to Make Decisions: Empower your team to make decisions within certain parameters to resolve conflicts quickly. Allowing staff to offer small compensation, such as complimentary amenities or discounts, can often defuse tension and demonstrate a commitment to guest satisfaction. Clear guidelines should be in place to ensure consistent and fair resolution.

Foster a Culture of Open Communication: Encourage a culture where staff members feel comfortable reporting conflicts and seeking assistance when needed. Regular team meetings can provide a platform to discuss recent incidents, share experiences, and learn from each other. Open communication helps in identifying recurring issues and developing strategies to prevent them in the future.

Have a Contingency Plan for Escalated Situations: Despite best efforts, some conflicts may escalate and require a higher level of intervention. Develop a contingency plan outlining steps for handling more severe conflicts, including contacting security or management, or when to involve local authorities. This ensures a swift and effective response while minimizing disruption to other guests.

Review and Improve Regularly: Regularly review conflict incidents and their outcomes to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Solicit feedback from guests and staff to refine your conflict management strategies continually. This ongoing evaluation helps create a dynamic approach that evolves with changing guest expectations and industry standards.

By fostering a proactive approach to preparedness and conflict management, hotels can enhance guest experiences, build trust, and maintain a competitive edge in the hospitality market.

To learn more about conflict management, please visit the links below.

Conflict De-Escalation Series - BizLibrary LMS - Home

Conflict Resolution Series - BizLibrary LMS - Home