After a National Disaster:
Stress Reactions in the Work Environment

Common reactions which you may notice in yourself or in coworkers may include some of the following:

1. Being afraid to return to the work place or being concerned about physical safety in the work environment.
2. Changing regular work routines to avoid physical reminders of the traumatic event.
3. Experiencing flashbacks of trauma which are triggered by sights, sounds and smells in the environment.
4. Decreasing time spent at work through sick leave, vacations and unexplained absences.
5. Questioning whether or not to remain at the present job or even the present profession.
6. Being distracted from the task at hand (which can lead to accidents or errors).
7. Deteriorating work performance and customer relations.
8. Wondering whether they are competent to perform their job.
9. Questioning when things will get back to normal.
10. Feeling isolated, as if others do not appear to be as affected as they are by the incident.
11. Feeling angry about the behavior of coworkers.
12. Breakdown in the sense of professionalism on the job.
13. Loss of a sense of humor.
14. Withdrawing from a previous relationship with colleagues.

© 2007 CIGNA Behavioral Health

Self-Care Strategies | Helping Children Cope | How Companies Can Help
Stress At Work | Stress Reactions | Fear of Flying | PTSD Resources for Providers
Survivor Guilt | Traumatic Loss | Mourning | Stages of Grief