Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a concern for employers, says GRiD

Supporting staff through traumatic events is not often the primary reason that employers purchase group risk products or Employee Assistance Programmes. However, support services are available within many group risk policies but most are hugely under-utilised according to GRiD, the body representing the group risk industry.

Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for Group Risk Development, (GRiD) explained: “We are living in a fairly uncertain world at the moment which, alone, can give rise to increased stress and anxiety among employees. However, those that experience or witness a traumatic event themselves may need additional support but knowing just how to deliver that can be a concern for employers.”

Support provided alongside many group risk policies will provide help for  employees who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by offering fast-track access to counselling and signposting to support groups where needed. Under a group income protection policy, for example, there will also be vocational rehabilitation support through an experienced case manager which gives an extra layer of help.

Several types of psychotherapy are usually used to treat PTSD, and since PTSD is considered a psychological injury, early intervention is crucial. Unfortunately, evidence from the charity PTSD UK suggests that around 70% of people who suffer with PTSD in the UK do not receive any professional help at all.

Katharine Moxham said: “Employers can be hugely pivotal in supporting staff through difficult times: not only will they be able to identify changes in an employee’s behaviour and perhaps help with identifying symptoms, many organisations will be able to provide immediate support via their group risk benefits, getting the member of staff on the route to recovery.”

www.ptsduk.org