Below are 5 reflective questions used to assist employees struggling with various types of pandemic-related trauma in order to help reflect on and define their stories.
The authors suggest the facilitated activity can be used with ad-hoc groups or teams at every level within or across organizations to process ways of being post Covid-19.
- What is the greatest loss you experienced during Covid-19?
- What is the greatest gain you experienced during Covid-19?
- What are you learning about yourself during Covid-19?
- What would it look like if you applied your learnings going forward?
- What two words or short phrases will remind you of how to apply what you’re learning?
Here’s the thing though, the trauma that is experienced by many is deep and it is broader than that resulting from Covid-19. Yes, there is trauma related to the isolation, fear, and drastic work-life upheaval due to Covid-19. Plus, the trauma related to racial tensions and racial injustices; and the trauma related to the negative political climate rampant today.
Anxiety, uncertainty, and fear will continue for many individuals for months if not years to come. These feelings may also be experienced by those who report many positive outcomes and learnings during the past months.
Providing space, support, compassion, and understanding are critical as we begin to navigate the future of our personal and work lives. It is complex. Normalizing and accepting are essential since the journey and experiences are unique for all of us. A facilitated activity to assist employees in reflecting on, acknowledging, and processing their experiences would be beneficial to enhance well-being.
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