Within the last several years, particularly since 9/11 and the inception of a broad-reaching emphasis on national security, the American workplace has changed. Where at one time there was free and open intercourse, there are now multiple gateways prior to access–technological, social, and physical. Getting into a secured building requires the emptying of pockets and purses, the removal of shoes, and a sometimes more personal inspection. With that security–which is by its nature is based in the experience of fear–comes an increase in general anxiety. People are generally more hypervigilant–readier to perceive danger, more high strung, and more sensitive.

After 9/11, National Employee Assistance Programs had been virtually inundated with calls for debriefings, information sessions on trauma, and support services for employees. In the ten years since then the situation has not radically altered.

"It's more acceptable now to have emotions in the workplace," noted Kristen Nagle of Longview Associates in New York. "Corporations have been more sensitive to the psychological and emotional needs of employees virtually across the board. They know the importance of their support, particularly since 9/11. It's not only about productivity anymore. It's been about doing the right thing."

Corporate support has taken many forms–conferences, counseling services, trainings–on issues ranging from post-traumatic stress to Internet security.

Businesses have begun not only to react, but to respond proactively–giving their employees the tools they need to handle emotional and physical crises.

Verbal First Aid may be the most important–and least expensive–tool they can put in their repertoire.

http://www.opednews.com/articles/A-New-Tool-for-Risk-Manage-by-Judith-Acosta-100626-973.html

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