Introduction
In today's fast-paced world, the workplace is not immune to traumatic events, often referred to as critical incidents. The study "Psychological Trauma in the Workplace: Variation of Incident Severity among Industry Settings and between Recurring vs Isolated Incidents" by DeFraia (2015) provides valuable insights into how incident severity varies across different industries and the impact of multiple versus isolated incidents. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their skills and improve workplace outcomes.
Understanding Incident Severity
The study highlights that incident severity differs significantly among industry settings. Banks, retail stores, and fast food restaurants reported the most severe incidents, while industrial and manufacturing sites experienced less severe incidents. Additionally, workgroups facing multiple incidents reported more severe outcomes than those experiencing isolated events. This knowledge empowers practitioners to tailor their interventions based on industry-specific risks and the frequency of incidents.
Implementing Resiliency Training
One of the key takeaways from the study is the importance of pre-incident resiliency training. Such training prepares workers to respond adaptively to traumatic events, reducing the psychological impact and facilitating quicker recovery. Industries prone to severe or recurring incidents, such as finance and retail, should prioritize resiliency training to enhance worker preparedness and resilience.
Tailoring Interventions
Practitioners should consider the unique characteristics of different workgroups when designing interventions. Awareness of worker demographics, job roles, and cultural preferences allows for customized support services. For instance, interventions effective for professionals may not suit retail clerks or industrial workers. Tailoring approaches ensures that support is relevant and effective.
Addressing Multiple Incidents
Workgroups exposed to multiple incidents require special attention. Practitioners should incorporate previous experiences into discussions and consider more intensive or ongoing support sessions. Monitoring workgroups over time ensures sustained recovery and helps identify any additional needs.
Conclusion
By understanding the variation in incident severity across industries and the impact of multiple incidents, practitioners can enhance their skills and create more effective trauma response strategies. Emphasizing resiliency training and tailoring interventions to specific workgroup needs are crucial steps in fostering a supportive workplace environment.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Psychological Trauma in the Workplace: Variation of Incident Severity among Industry Settings and between Recurring vs Isolated Incidents.
