Implications for Human Resources
and Management
It is helpful for Human Resource professionals, managers, and supervisors to be aware of and sensitive to signals that may indicate that an employee is having difficulty coping following a critical event. After a traumatic experience, one's behavior may not seem as usual or normal for that person.
Responses to traumatic events may include such symptoms as:
- headaches or other physical complaints
- insomnia
- flashbacks
- anxiety
- difficulty concentrating
- crying spells
- loss of appetite
- irritability
- intense anger
- depression
Work performance and productivity may be affected as well as relationships with coworkers and supervisors.
The following suggestions may be helpful in responding to employees following a critical event:
- Convey understanding and patience
- Gently share observations about the impact on performance
- Encourage the employee to seek professional assistance either through EAP Resources, their physician, or a mental health professional
- Offer the employee time off from work
- Encourage them not to use alcohol or drugs as a way to cope
It's never too late to call EAP Resources. If CISM was not provided at the time or following the event, or if employees opted not to participate in the intervention at the time of the event, call us now. We can help. EAP Resource can provide individual or group interventions on site.
