Workplace

It is estimated that we spend one-third of our lives at work. The relationships we form there are important to the product we deliver and for our interpersonal needs for relatedness. We all derive many needs from the workplace that have nothing to do with our pay. Some employees refer to their coworkers as their "work families." When these important relationships are amiss, everything suffers including productivity, our enthusiasm for our work, and our overall happiness.

Knowing how to navigate the workplace with its many variables can be tricky at times. There is no rulebook for knowing how to respond to all situations that occur at work. PAS offers employees and managers a safe, confidential place to discuss workplace concerns or challenges.

Conflict at Work

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable and not entirely within our control, but how we respond to it is. Conflict that reaches excessive levels can fracture working relationships, creating an environment that is unpleasant and ineffective. How to handle conflict can depend on several factors: who is involved in the conflict, the content of the issue, and the goals of the people involved.

Grief in the Workplace

Grief is a natural, normal response to loss. Although grieving is a normal reaction, at times grief can feel enormously painful, overwhelming, and exhausting. Beginning to understand your grieving experience and taking gradual steps to address your pain and loss can be important and integral components of recovering from your grief.

Suicide in the Workplace

Many people have thoughts of suicide at some time in their life. Often times these thoughts are just thoughts, not intentions, and can be viewed as a symptom that something is wrong, not cause for immediate alarm. If you are not sure if they are just thoughts, or if the person is really planning suicide, ask.

Violence in the Workplace

Violence connected to the workplace takes many forms. Dangerous or threatening behavior may come from a coworker, student, patient, a family member involved in an abusive relationship, or someone who has no business relationship with the workplace. Events of workplace violence may include threats in person, by note, telephone, fax, email, or social media. A threat may be observed in a written or oral form, and/or in a gesture that could be interpreted by a reasonable person as conveying intent to cause physical harm to persons or property.