Supporting Colleagues Experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

In the tourism and hospitality industry, understanding and supporting colleagues with PTSD is crucial. PTSD can impact anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, a highly stressful situation, or undergone a life-altering experience. Creating an inclusive and supportive work environment not only helps those with PTSD, but also enhances the overall workplace atmosphere. 

PTSD is a mental health disorder resulting from exposure to severe or ongoing psychological stress. Symptoms can include triggers, flashbacks, sleep disturbances, and negative emotions. This can affect work performance through decreased productivity, and difficulties in emotional functioning. Whether PTSD stems from a personal experience outside of work, or from workplace incidents, such as harassment, violence, and exposure to traumatic events like natural disasters, it is essential to provide support. Outlined below are actions employers can take to create a supportive environment for employees managing PTSD:

Mental Health Awareness Training: 

Implement organization-wide training to raise awareness about mental health and PTSD. Equip all staff with the knowledge to recognize and support colleagues facing these challenges.

Specialized Manager Training: 

Provide managers with training focused on PTSD awareness and management. This training should cover recognizing common signs such as decreased productivity, difficulty concentrating, irritability, emotional numbness and increased conflict.

Critical Incident Response Program:

Develop and document a Critical Incident Response Plan. If an incident occurs in the workplace, programs like the WorkSafeBC Critical Incident Response Program offer essential support and education. Qualified mental health professionals can guide both workers and employers in understanding and processing their experiences and reactions.

Professional Support Services: 

Offer access to employee assistance programs (EAP) or direct employees to specialized PTSD therapy and resources.

Peer Support Networks: 

Encourage the formation of peer networks where employees can connect and share experiences.

Promote Well-being Activities: 

Encourage employees to engage in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being.

Open Communication:

Maintain open communication lines to address employees’ needs and listen without judgment. Here are some supportive expressions to use in a safe space:

“I care about you and I’m worried about you.”
“I’ve noticed changes in your behavior.”
“Are you comfortable telling me what’s going on? Do you want to talk about it?”
“How can I help?”

Empathize and Support: 

Recognize and empathize with any changes in an employee’s behavior, productivity, or interactions. Discuss ways to ease their return to work and minimize stress.

Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace is vital for maximizing the potential of every team member. By recognizing the impact of PTSD and implementing these proactive measures, employers can foster a culture that supports mental health awareness and resilience. Through education, empathy and practical support, we can create workplaces where everyone feels valued, understood, and empowered to thrive.

For more resources, information or support, reach out to go2HR’s Mental Health & Psychological Safety Consultants. 