health & safety
Working through Trauma
RETURNING TO ROUTINE AFTER TRAUMATIC EVENTS
By Noi Quao
On a Friday evening last November in Paris, after many
people had left work and were enjoying a night on the
town, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred.
That evening, 130 people were killed and more than
350 people were injured in a shocking event that made headlines
around the world. The city was on lockdown and many lives were
turned upside down. The following Monday, most Parisians began
their coping process – by returning to work. In addition to speaking
candidly about their experiences, most people were merely
determined to get back to routine. The events were horrific, but
the story also became one of resilience.
When traumatic events occur, the aftermath commonly interferes
with a person’s ability to function normally in their personal
life and at work. Everyone reacts to traumatic events in their own
way. In many cases, it can take days or even weeks to return to
normal routine. Some experience the temporary effects of a traumatic
event, such as an increase in errors, irritability or customer
service complaints. Others experience more severe effects, such as
increased anxiety, depression, absenteeism or – in more extreme
circumstances – post-traumatic stress disorder.
A recent study by Morneau Shepell found that more than half
(52 per cent) of employees indicated that the reason for their most
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