The hidden effects of pandemic PTSD on your employees

While it may seem like the worst of COVID-19 is behind us, employers are dealing with a workforce that’s struggling to process and work through the past year and a half.

The latest Mental Health Index by Total Brain and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions found that risk for PTSD has increased month over month and is 53% higher than pre-pandemic rates. Nearly a fifth of employees were at risk for developing PTSD, the index found.

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Employees with PTSD have higher rates of other mental health issues and lose their ability to focus on cognitive tasks. Sustained focus was down 53% among employees, compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“Workers’ focus is being hijacked by intense fear and trauma,” Louis Gagnon, CEO of Total Brain, said in a release. “It is critically important that employers are prepared to address trauma in the workplace, including understanding their role in exacerbating trauma and their power to help alleviate workers’ overwhelming anxiety.”

A report by employee experience platform Limeade found that 100% of workers have stress around returning to work. Fear of contracting COVID, an added commute, the loss of flexibility and a lack of childcare were the top reasons for their stress.

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Left unaddressed, these anxieties and fears can spiral into PTSD and other mental health challenges and impact an employee’s day-to-day functions. Managers should learn to recognize warning signs like a lack of concentration, worsening relationships with coworkers and staff and higher rates of absenteeism.

While it may be difficult for employees to articulate their feelings of trauma around the pandemic, creating an open environment for employees to discuss their concerns, along with employee benefits that help them manage their mental health needs, is critical to making sure employees remain healthy.

“The prevalence of trauma for employees is real, but so are the improvements in focus and resources by employers to support mental health and well-being,” Michael Thompson, president and CEO of National Alliance, said in the release. “On balance, we may be better in understanding and supporting mental health as we move forward.”