Employers whose staff are struggling to cope following Monday's earthquake are being given advice on how to best support their employees.
"The vast majority of people will cope well with the recent earthquakes," said Employee Solution Services managing director Michael Hempseed.
"For employers, it is important to believe that those who are not coping well are doing the best they can. No-one chooses to be traumatised."
It was important to remember a lack of information was "really distressing" for staff, Hempseed said.
"You should keep your staff informed with regular updates. Even if you say, 'I don't know any more yet,' at least you are saying something."
Hempseed also warned employers to be aware of tired staff members.
"There are many people who have not had much sleep over the past few nights. Many will be more agitated and likely to make more mistakes," he said.
"When people are worried or upset they cannot take in complex information, so keep it simple.
For those in Christchurch it was also important not to assume everyone was there for the previous earthquakes and would know what to do.
"Many people have moved here since and others will have forgotten the finer points of how to cope."
