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What it is and How to Manage it in Your Teams

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) is the emotional duress that results from hearing about the firsthand trauma experiences of another. This condition is prevalent among healthcare providers, social workers, and first responders, but it can affect anyone exposed to trauma details, including investigators.

Signs of STS

STS manifests in various emotional and physical symptoms:

  • Emotional: Helplessness, extreme fatigue, frustration, cynicism, anger, irritability, confusion.
  • Physical: Shortness of breath, headaches, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, muscle tension.

Compassion Fatigue

If left unaddressed, STS can lead to compassion fatigue, characterized by anxiety, irritability, cynicism, loss of empathy, physical symptoms like headaches, substance abuse, and social withdrawal.

Statistics on Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS)

Research indicates that Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) is prevalent among professionals frequently exposed to trauma. Some notable statistics include:

  • Healthcare Providers: Studies show that 15-25% of healthcare workers experience significant symptoms of STS.
  • Social Workers: Approximately 34% of child welfare workers report high levels of STS.
  • Emergency Responders: Around 19% of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) exhibit signs of STS.

These statistics highlight the widespread impact of STS and underscore the need for effective support and intervention strategies in high-stress professions. For more detailed information, please refer to specific studies and resources.

The Impact of Secondary Traumatic Stress in the Workplace

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) significantly affects workplace dynamics, particularly in high-stress professions such as healthcare, social services, and emergency response.

Key impacts include:

  1. Decreased Productivity: Emotional exhaustion and physical symptoms can lead to reduced work performance and absenteeism.
  2. High Turnover Rates: Chronic stress may cause employees to leave their jobs and seek less stressful environments.
  3. Impaired Decision-Making: Cognitive functions like concentration and decision-making may deteriorate, affecting job performance.
  4. Workplace Morale: Overall workplace morale and team cohesion can suffer, leading to a less supportive work environment.

Addressing STS through supportive policies, resilience training, and professional support is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive workplace.

Can Secondary Traumatic Stress Lead to Workplace Conflict?

Yes, Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) can lead to workplace conflict. The emotional and physical strain caused by STS can result in:

  1. Increased Irritability: Employees may become more irritable and less patient, leading to conflicts over minor issues.
  2. Reduced Empathy: STS can decrease empathy, making it harder for colleagues to understand and support each other.
  3. Communication Breakdowns: Stress and fatigue can impair communication, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.

Addressing STS through organizational support and promoting a culture of openness and resilience can help mitigate these conflicts.

Ignoring STS symptoms may make your organization susceptible to conflict and the risks associated with unresolved conflicts, such as financial strain, low morale, high turnover and more. 

If your organization is contemplating mediation, it may be time to consult a third-party professional. Discover our Mediation services to better understand how we can help you reach conflict resolution in your workplace.

Explore Workplace Mediation Services

The Role of Workplace Mediation in Managing Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS)

Workplace mediation can be a crucial tool in managing Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) by addressing and resolving conflicts that arise from stress-induced irritability and misunderstandings.

Mediation helps by:

  1. Facilitating Communication: It provides a neutral platform for open dialogue, helping employees express their concerns and feelings.
  2. Promoting Empathy: Mediation encourages understanding and empathy among colleagues, reducing the emotional distance caused by STS.
  3. Creating Solutions: Mediators help develop practical solutions and coping strategies, improving workplace relationships and overall well-being.

By addressing conflicts early, mediation can mitigate the negative impacts of STS, fostering a healthier and more supportive work environment.

Building Resilience To mitigate the effects of STS, building resilience is essential. Here are strategies to consider:

  1. Prioritize Relationships: Stay connected with empathetic people and engage in various activities.
  2. Foster Wellness: Maintain a self-care routine with proper nutrition, sleep, hydration, and exercise.
  3. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindful journaling, yoga, or meditation to restore hope and resilience.
  4. Avoid Negative Outlets: Refrain from masking stress with alcohol, drugs, or excessive social media use.
  5. Normalize Trauma Effects: Discussing trauma exposure effects with colleagues can reduce stigma and encourage seeking help.

Seeking Help

Recognize when professional help is needed. If unsure, consider using tools like the Professional Quality of Life (PROQOL) measure to assess your symptoms.

Takeaway

Understanding and managing STS is crucial for anyone regularly exposed to traumatic details. Building resilience and recognizing when to seek help can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of STS and compassion fatigue.

If your organization is experiencing roadblocks in finding effective ways to manage workplace conflict and needs professional investigation or mediation services, consulting with a neutral third party will help resolve distracting, challenging situations and empower all participants to settle on an agreeable solution that propels your organization forward.

At Global Mindful Solutions, we have established processes that aim to provide insightful, comprehensive solutions with a compassionate and unbiased approach. This allows everyone involved to focus on returning to work and continue to make a positive contribution to their organization while leading fulfilling roles in their careers.

Contact Global Mindful Solutions for neutral, knowledgeable, and effective mediation, facilitation, and restoration services.

613-869-9130 | info@globalmindfulsolutions.com

Contact

343 Preston Street, Suite 1100, Ottawa, ON, K1S 1N4

Other articles related to workplace trauma:

compassion fatigue emotional development secondary traumatic stress trauma and the workplace workplace mediation