HUMAN RESOURCES
Trauma in the workplace
Multiple situations in the workplace can cause or expose employees to trauma .
By Senwes HR Department
Employers cannot guarantee that employees will never be exposed to trauma in the workplace . However , they can take action to help prevent the most debilitating effects of exposure to trauma by ensuring that employees are equipped with the correct resources to curb the long lasting effect on employees . Resources include both the ability to respond in the moment and to access to the necessary coping strategies and social support after the incident .
Potential trauma in the workplace could include exposure to :
• Stressful events – death , grief , suicide , accident or injury organisational / personal related .
• Organisational stressors – lack of workplace resources , bullying , threats , harassment , betrayal , maliciousness , extreme isolation , chronic pressure , unresolved conflict , toxic work environment , uncertainty , fear for the future , downsizing or fear of unemployment .
• Physical stressors – noise , chaotic environment , sense of no control over space , fear for physical safety , harsh or flashing lights , extremes of heat or cold , working amid construction and other adverse physical conditions .
• External threats – evacuation , lockdown , fire or robbery . wise to obtain assistance from a professional person , e . g . social worker , counsellor or psychologist . If one isn ’ t readily available , take the employee ( s ) to the nearest facility that can manage trauma patients ( state facilities assist at no cost )
Avoid the following mistakes associated with traumatic events :
• Ignoring the situation - Just because employees seem fine , don ’ t assume they don ’ t have questions or concerns .
• Delaying response - It takes true leadership to understand the value of immediate response and bringing in the proper resources .
• Stifling communication - Employees need to talk about these significant events , and they will , with or without employer support .
Where possible , prepare your employees to respond to potential trauma in a way that reduces the risk of harm to themselves and others . Ways to approach this is to simulate or discuss potential traumatic events relevant to the workplace to prepare those who may be exposed . This can include simulations of angry or threatening phone calls , a physical confrontation or a life-threatening incident . It should address the protocol for dealing with the situation and the potential impact on the employees . This can help prepare your employees psychologically for potentially traumatic situations . When a traumatic event has occurred , it is
Trauma impacts every aspect of an employee ’ s emotional well-being and productivity . By recognising and addressing the many less dramatic stressors , your company can take action to prevent and treat trauma before the effects become catastrophic . By creating a workplace which does not traumatise your workers , you as the employer can not only reduce the tremendous cost of trauma , but also help access more of your employee ’ s latent creative and productive potential .
Sources http :// humannatureatwork . com / article / thehidden-cost-of-workplace-trauma https :// www . workplacestrategiesformentalhealth . com / job-specific-strategies / workplace-trauma https :// www . optum . com / content / dam / optum / resources / whitePapers / 5218 _ CIRS _ White _ Paper _ 08062014 . pdf
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SENWES SCENARIO | AUTUMN 2018