Impact of Traumatic Events and Organizational Response

A Study of Bank Robberies

Abstract

This study explored how experiencing a traumatic event in the workplace affects employee physical health, mental health, personal functioning, and work performance. Post-event use of health care services and the effectiveness of critical incident stress debriefing sessions and other coping interventions were also examined. A retrospective self-report methodology and mailed survey were used with 141 employees of 42 different bank branches that had recently been robbed. The results found that most employees had multiple negative consequences from experiencing a bank robbery while at work. Psychological, physical, work, and personal areas were all affected by the robbery. Furthermore, more threatening incidents were associated with more severe consequences. Critical incident stress debriefing interventions delivered after robbery were rated as helpful by 78% of employees who attended. The implications for health care providers and organizations are discussed.