Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological illness that may profoundly influence an individual who has experienced a highly terrifying or stressful encounter.
It not only affects life at home, but also takes them to their workplaces as well. To most employees, dealing with PTSD in the workplace might be a daunting task.
At Denn’s Room Psychiatry, we support employers with trauma-informed guidance to create healthy workspaces. Led by Gaelle Dennery, a board-certified nurse practitioner, our goal is to help individuals and organizations thrive.
Below, we’ll explain how you can support employees with PTSD, what helps them feel safe, and how a better workplace helps everyone.
Understanding PTSD in the Workplace
PTSD is characterized by the intrusive thoughts of the employees, increased anxiety in them, emotional numbness, or inability to focus. These are problems that may render the workplace environment unsafe or unpredictable.
Becoming aware of these symptoms and supporting the employer’s change intelligently makes it possible to become a recovery ally.
At Denn’s Room Psychiatry, our training and consultation programs help workplaces recognize signs of trauma and adopt trauma-informed care practices.
Why Support from Employers Matters
Support is a nice thing and the key to overall success and the future. When employers understand and care about mental health, employees with PTSD are more likely to:
- Feel welcome and included
- Build trust and emotional safety
- Improve work performance
- Stay longer in their roles
So, Denn’s Room Psychiatry works with organizations to design customized mental health education and training, so every employee feels seen, safe, and supported.
What Employees with PTSD Need from the Employer?
- Create a Safe and Predictable Work Environment
A calm, stable space helps those with PTSD feel grounded.
Tips for employers:
- Establish Predictable and Safe working conditions
- Reduce noise or chaotic environments
- Respect personal space and emotional boundaries
Denn’s Room Psychiatry’s workshops on Managing Difficult People & Crisis De-escalation offer practical tools to create safer workplaces for everyone.
- Open and Respectful Communication
Kind communication makes a big difference.
Employers should:
- Encourage open conversations about mental health
- Train leaders to use calm, respectful language
- Never pressure employees to share personal trauma
We specialize in Mental Wellness Education that promotes transparent, stigma-free dialogue between staff and leadership.
- Reasonable Accommodations for PTSD
Under the ADA, employees have the right to ask for accommodations.
These can include:
- Flexible hours or remote work
- Written instructions or quiet spaces
- Breaks to manage stress
Denn’s Room Psychiatry consults HR and leadership to ensure their accommodations meet legal standards and personal needs.
- Mental Health Benefits and Access to Resources
Access to therapy and mental health support is key.
Employers should:
- Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Include trauma therapy and medication in insurance
- Clearly explain how to access these benefits
Denn’s Room Psychiatry programs help individuals recognize early signs of mental distress and build healthier coping strategies.
- Trauma-Informed Management Training
Leaders must understand PTSD and its impact on group dynamics.
Training should cover:
- Recognizing signs of distress
- Offering stable, nonjudgmental support
- Using de-escalation techniques
At Denn’s Room Psychiatry, we offer Staff Training & Professional Development focused on trauma-informed care and mental health awareness.
- Foster a Culture of Empathy and Inclusion
Mental health shouldn’t shame anyone.
Create a diverse atmosphere:
- Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month
- Hosting peer support groups
- Promoting anti-bullying policies
At Denn’s Room Psychiatry, we help organizations break stigma, promote empathy, and build resilience from the inside out.
- Empower Employees Through Flexibility and Control
Giving employees more control reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
Try this:
- Let employees prioritize their tasks
- Allow hybrid or remote work
- Offer flexible deadlines
- Involve them in decision-making
This approach fits well with our resilience-building programs at Denn’s Room Psychiatry for individuals and teams.
- Confidentiality and Privacy Are Non-Negotiable
Mental health information must be kept private.
How to maintain trust:
- Only HR and necessary supervisors are informed
- No public sharing of sensitive information
- Use secure systems for communication
We at Denn’s Room Psychiatry emphasize confidential support systems in every workplace training we deliver.
- Respond to Crises with Compassion
PTSD episodes may arise suddenly, but preparation matters.
Employers should:
- Train in mental health first aid
- Have a crisis response plan
- Encourage time off when needed
- Follow up with kindness, not punishment
At Denn’s Room Psychiatry, our Crisis De-escalation Workshops are trauma-informed and are intended to practice these essential skills within what can only be described as life-like scenarios.
- Monitor and Improve Your PTSD Support Policies
Policies shouldn’t sit on a shelf. Keep improving them.
Steps include:
- Gather anonymous feedback
- Review annually with staff input
- Stay current with ADA requirements
- Partner with mental health professionals
Denn’s Room Psychiatry offers ongoing consultation, helping workplaces grow into resilient and supportive environments.
- Leadership Commitment to Mental Wellness
When leaders champion mental health, the whole team benefits.
Leaders should:
- Speak openly (if they feel comfortable)
- Lead wellness initiatives
- Encourage work-life balance
- Recognize teams that promote inclusion
At Denn’s Room Psychiatry, real change starts at the top, and our leadership coaching helps executives model empathy and mental wellness.
The Bottom Line
Supporting employees with PTSD is a wise investment. It enhances memory, involvement, and group interactions.
Denn’s Room Psychiatry helps teams grow stronger and healthier with trauma-informed training and therapy.
Ready to Build a Trauma-Informed Workplace?
Denn’s Room Psychiatry offers in-person workshops, virtual training, or consultation. Let’s build healthier teams and stronger communities.
Book a Consultation with Denn’s Room Psychiatry.
Contact us to design custom training for your organization. Explore our Staff Training & Professional Development Programs.
FAQs
Q: Can someone with PTSD work full-time?
Those experiencing PTSD can excel in full-time roles with suitable provisions and insight.
Q: How can I tell if an employee has PTSD?
You cannot do so. Never assume. When a person discloses their diagnosis, do not react coldly to it.
Q: Is PTSD covered under the ADA?
Absolutely. Employees with PTSD should be reasonably accommodated at work.
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