05/21/2021

What Leaders Need to Know About Trauma in the Workplace

This all goes beyond regular work stress

It is undeniable.With the arrival of COVID-19 the world has changed in many ways forever. It was a "perfect storm" of disruption, and nearly every industry has been impacted. And leaders across these industries have suffered as well, because COVID-19 is also a perfect storm for trauma. Not only have leaders had to furlough staff, or pivot their businesses overnight to meet customers’ changing needs, or quickly learn to manage their teams remotely, they have also had to worry about their own safety and the safety of their employees while witnessing massive amounts of death and losing the freedom to travel and engage with others. They face constant chaos and confusion as they struggle to react swiftly and decisively to keep their companies running, communicate with their work force and make decisions about keeping customers and employees safe.

This all goes beyond regular work stress and crosses into trauma territory. Leaders need to accept and acknowledge that they are dealing with trauma—and so are their employees. Only by naming and claiming trauma can anyone begin taking steps to heal.  

It is understandable. Leaders must not only accept that they may be traumatized by COVID, but they must also communicate to their people that what they’re experiencing as upheaval and turmoil is a normal and healthy response to trauma.

Please select this link to read the complete blog post from The People Equation.