Managing Survivor Guilt

The news reports from the days after terrorist attacks in Paris indicated that Parisians were doing what they typically do – meeting friends in cafes, jogging and walking their dogs.  It’s common in the aftermath of a traumatic event to feel relieved that we’re safe and then to feel guilty for wanting life to return to normal.

Trauma at Work

To a lesser degree, people can also suffer from survivor guilt after their colleagues are laid off.   The confusion of feeling relieved while grieving can affect productivity, morale and trust.

What Leaders Can Do

Team leaders who acknowledge these feelings and ask for suggestions on how to handle increased workloads can help restore equilibrium.  I invite you to be aware of and accept feelings of loss and then to make a conscious decision to follow the Parisian example and carry on.