While 53% of working Americans have experienced a traumatic event while on the job, less than half (46%) said their employer offered them support to help them grieve, cope or recover in the aftermath, according to new research.
The survey, by Workplace Options, found that 67% of respondents would value counselling or emotional support from their employer following a traumatic or tragic workplace event.
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“Trauma can impact a person in a number of different ways, and it’s impossible to predict how a specific event will affect a given individual,” said Mary Ellen Gornick, executive vice president of global products for Workplace Options.
“But what we do know is that these events are often make-or-break moments. Times of uncertainty are when employers have the opportunity to make a bold statement and show that there is legitimate concern for their employees’ well-being.”
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According to the poll, the four workplace events that caused the most trauma, stress and anxiety, are:
- Employer announcing layoffs/job losses (28%)
- Workplace violence/criminal activity in the community (25%)
- Death of a colleague/co-worker (19%)
- Natural disaster impacting the workplace (14%)
“When companies deal with critical incidents and traumatic events the right way – when they provide the support that their employees need – they actually accomplish two things,” said Gornick. “First and foremost, they help their workforce recover and bounce back quickly.
“Second, they make a clear statement that says ‘at this company, people come first.’ And the power of having a group of employees see that and experience it first-hand just can’t be overstated.”