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4.7 What can the workplace do ?
Aim . To raise awareness of managers ’ and employers ’ responsibilities .
Employers that address and pay attention to compassion fatigue and secondary traumatisation can forestall and prevent them . They can create space for colleagues to discuss and provide mutual support to each other . As noted , they should establish procedures and practices for detecting symptoms of secondary traumatisation and burn out and intervene early to address them .
It is essential to establish strong peer support arrangements between staff and within management . Peer support encourages openness and transparency , makes it possible to detect and respond to symptoms of secondary traumatisation , and increases awareness and knowledge . Holding structured debriefing discussions is another useful preventive tool that can help colleagues to process and reflect . More generally , the employer is responsible for putting in place a safe and positive working environment .
Vicarious traumatisation and compassion fatigue are more likely to occur in organisations that make high demands on their employees , do not regulate and manage workloads , and expect employees to work in isolation without feedback from colleagues . The workplace should provide feedback and support , good supervision , and opportunities to practise and learn . Helpers need frameworks that help them to take care of themselves and each other .
“ Investing in helpers ’ health has positive organisational effects , because helpers do a better job when they are well .”
Managers should regularly discuss the work situation with staff . After reviewing helpers ’ workload with them , managers should take steps to reduce overload and increase control and support where needed . Investing in helpers ’ health has positive organisational effects , because helpers do a better job when they are well .
If workplaces do not support helpers sufficiently , they can help themselves by forming support groups , where they can meet to discuss their experiences , obtain support , or simply do something nice together . If there are too few helpers in an area to set up a support group , helpers may find it helpful to contact friends and other people they trust . They should remember to share without breaching their duty of confidentiality to survivors .
ROLE OF THE HELPER