We often see “normal” symptoms after “abnormal” events.  These might include: 

–       staying in close touch with family and friends 

–       obsessing about the event 

–       feeling anxious or wanting to stay home 

–       being overly emotional including sadness or anger 

What can managers do to help employees adjust after such a terrible event? 

1. Be observant and present. 

Get out of your office and walk around to check in with people.  How are they doing? How is their family doing?  Are they worried about anyone in the work group? 

2. Listen. 

Ask open-ended questions and practice good listening skills.  This can be frustrating if you’re under pressure, but it will pay off in the long run.  You don’t have to come up with solutions, but allowing employees to talk about their experience can help. 

3. Pay attention to parents. 

Parents who had children at the Marathon, or know someone who was injured, are particularly concerned about the impact on their children.  It is normal that they are more concerned than usual.  Parenting specialists are always standing by in the EAP. 

4. When to be concerned. 

One rule of thumb that we use for adults and children is to consider the duration and intensity of the reaction.  For a few weeks following an unusually upsetting event, reactions may be intense.  But with time, intensity usually lessens.  If you are concerned that someone is not recovering from this traumatic event, call your EAP to discuss the situation, or suggest to the employee that the EAP might be able to help. 

Are you worried about someone today?