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Hello |
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When tragedy strikes a workplace, people from across the spectrum mobilize to bring aid and support. Business leaders and managers are challenged to address both the individual employee needs while attending to their larger organizational objectives…EAP professionals provide consultation and resources that guide immediate response as well as long term recovery… Crisis Response Specialists deliver both competence and compassion as they intervene directly with impacted employees on site. Each one plays an essential role in helping employees recover and return to work.
But at what cost?
It’s been said that no one who witnesses a tragedy remains untouched. While training, position and skill can prepare and protect the one who intervenes, the simple fact remains that caring for those who are hurting can hurt. It can be emotionally draining, physically exhausting, and psychologically daunting. Most management training on crisis focuses on restoring operations and containing the economic cost; rarely does it address this human cost. That is not to say we shouldn’t do it; indeed, basic decency as well as business continuity practices require a humane response to workplace trauma. But let’s do it in a way that makes sense, for those who reach out as well as for those who need support.
This edition of PracticePoints features resources specific to the topic of compassion fatigue, an experience common to those who help others. Whether you are a manager supporting your staff after “yet another” robbery, an EAP Professional consulting on a high profile shooting, or a CIR Specialist going on site for the fifth time this month, our goal is to care for those who care for others. I hope you find these resources useful and empowering as you do the important work you do.
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Judy Beahan, LMSW
Clinical Manager
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The Art and Science of Caring for Others Without Forgetting Self-Care |
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Combining moving personal accounts and scholarly research, this article from noted compassion fatigue (CF) expert Charles Figley, Ph.D., presents a cogent synopsis of CF, it’s causes, and offers valuable suggestions for prevention and care. Included in the article is a link to the Compassion Satisfaction and Fatigue self-test, a useful tool to assess one’s own level of CF. To read the article click Figley
This article reprinted with permission from Gift From Within
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Compassion Fatigue Video |
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This brief video from internationally acclaimed trauma researcher Frank Ochberg presents an excellent description of the differences between compassion fatigue, caregiver burden, and burnout. These concepts are especially useful for anyone who interacts with hurting employees, whether as a business leader, an HR manager, an EAP professional or a CCN Specialist. To view this video click here.
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Coping With a Traumatic Event |
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Whether you are a business leader, manager, or clinician, your duties may call on you to support employees who have experienced a traumatic event in the workplace. Traumatic events that involve life-threating situations, acts of violence, strong expressions of grief or mass disaster challenge us to be calm and compassionate in the face of powerful emotions – a daunting task at times. Whether you are directly or indirectly impacted by trauma, you may experience a wide range of emotional reactions yourself, including:
- Strong emotions including shock, fear, anger, grief, confusion, and horror
- Feelings of helplessness, disbelief, powerlessness, disconnectedness, or aloneness
- Feelings of guilt. [read more]
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In The News |
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CCN President Bob VandePol collaborated with Dr. George Everly, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Patrick Clarke, Zurich Services Corporation Risk Engineering Manager of Absence, Health and Productivity Services to author a White Paper entitled “When Tragedy Strikes: Crisis Management for Critical Incidents and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”. He was also quoted in the National Safety Council’s Safety + Health magazine article “Easing the Burden”.
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Trauma Stewardship: an Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others
In this book, Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, MSW a trauma recovery focused clinician, offers a wise and empathic perspective on the topic of trauma exposure, recovery, growth and healing. The author draws upon experience, cultural traditions, and psychological research to explore the impact of trauma exposure on those who seek to care for the trauma in others and the simple yet profound practices for healing and transformation.
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Inside Crisis Video series - Critical Incident Response Strategies
CCN released the next edition of its Inside Crisis Video series – Critical Incident Response Strategies. While tragedy often strikes out of the blue, having a plan in place to meet the needs of those impacted will reduce the negative effects and provide support for people at a critical moment. Studies show that a swift, compassionate, and competent response will assist your staff to regain their balance and utilize their strengths to recover. Knowing what to expect when a CCN specialist arrives can help you get the most from your services. CCN EAP Account Executive Jeff Gorter discusses practical strategies to help you plan a well-coordinated, effective response. To watch the video please click here.
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