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Wealth Management, November 2001
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Dr. Ronit Lami
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The terrorist attack on New York's World Trade Center could cause considerable long-term problems
for thousands of workers in the financial services sector, warns a London-based psychologist.
Dr Ronit Lami, who heads the affluenza practice at Allenbridge, a financial research and
consultancy firm says that many workers could go on to develop trauma-related conditions. This
could have a significant impact on the eventual recovery of the financial services sector in New
York and London unless employers take appropriate action.
"Everyone appreciates that the suffering has only just begun for those affected by these terrible
attacks", she said. "But few employers understand what a difference they can make to the
recovery of their employees."
Those most seriously affected by the disaster will experience symptoms of Post
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Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Experts estimate that between 50-70% of those involved in
large-scale disasters experience symptoms of PTSD at some stage, with half of one group still
seriously affected 14 years later. "The response of firms to symptoms of PTSD is crucial in
determining whether and how quickly staff return to work," she continued. "One firm in London
I read of sent 2000 staff home right after the disaster. These people had just heard their
colleagues die over the telephone".
Balancing support with understanding is crucial, according to Dr Lami.
"People need to share what they have been through," she continued. "And employers need to
initiate this. But people also need time alone to grieve before they feel able to work again.
"Large institutions often misjudge this - the Police Service have been guilty
of this in the UK. They may pressurise employees into returning to work early or not train managers
to deal with symptoms of shock or trauma. In many cases this leads to resentment and subsequent
very poor performance".
"With a disaster of this scale, companies who do not address the problem quickly
and efficiently will face severe disruption to morale and productivity over the long term,"
she warned.
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