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Volume 03, Issue 02
Accommodating Service Members and Veterans with PTSD

From the desks of Laura Artman and Kendra Duckworth

Because of the Global War on Terrorism, many service members are returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other points in the Middle East with combat-related injuries. Combat exposes soldiers to potentially traumatic events on a daily basis, which can result in psychiatric symptoms, such as those of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many returning soldiers are filtering back into the workforce, and PTSD concerns may arise in the workplace. Employers of veterans (as well as the veterans themselves) need to be informed of the issues that may arise when readjusting to civilian life.

PTSD can manifest itself in a veteran differently than someone who has survived a catastrophic one-time event. The traumatic events that accompany combat duty occur daily (for months at a time) without warning. Soldiers endure these conditions with restricted food intake, lack of sleep, and harsh environmental conditions. Furthermore, soldiers are trained to be extra vigilant and to react quickly and decisively to environmental stimuli. Thus, readjusting to life at home can be a difficult experience for some veterans.

According to a pamphlet distributed by the American Legion1, PTSD symptoms in combat veterans can include:

1. Upsetting thoughts occurring frequently about the traumatic event.
2. Frequent dreams (in many cases, nightmares) about the event.
3. Suddenly feeling as though the event is reoccurring (flashbacks).
4. Environmental stimuli (olfactory, auditory, visual) can trigger flashbacks and other troubling symptoms.
5. Detaching oneself physically and emotionally from other people/places, especially large crowds.
6. A feeling of detachment from others.
7. A feeling of foreshortened future.
8. Guilt related to being a survivor - living after the trauma when many other comrades did not. Guilt may also surface because of one's duties (having to take another human life).
9. Sleep disturbances (usually insomnia).
10. Mood swings and anger outbursts.
11. Cognitive/memory difficulties.
12. Excessive vigilance and survival-related behaviors.
13. Hyperarousal - a person may seem "jumpy," especially in the presence of unexpected noises.

It is important to note that not all veterans that experience combat will develop PTSD; employers and coworkers must not assume that someone who is returning from the Middle East is having these difficulties. Furthermore, those who do develop this condition may not experience all of the symptoms and behaviors listed above. In some cases, it may take years for PTSD to develop. Employees who are veterans of previous military conflicts may benefit from this information as well.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Below are some suggestions for accommodations. It is important to remember that not all veterans with PTSD will need these accommodations, if any. This is not an all-inclusive list:

Lack of Concentration: People with PTSD may have difficulty concentrating on job tasks.

Triangle Blue Bullet Reduce distractions in the work environment
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide space enclosures or a private space
Triangle Blue Bullet Allow the employee to play soothing music using a headset
Triangle Blue Bullet Increase natural lighting or increase full spectrum lighting
Triangle Blue Bullet Divide large assignments into smaller goal oriented tasks or steps
Triangle Blue Bullet Plan for uninterrupted work time

Coping with Stress: People with PTSD may have difficulty handling stress.

Triangle Blue Bullet Allow longer or more frequent work breaks as needed
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide backup coverage for when the employee needs to take breaks
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide additional time to learn new responsibilities
Triangle Blue Bullet Restructure job to include only essential functions during times of stress
Triangle Blue Bullet Allow for time off for counseling
Triangle Blue Bullet Assign a supervisor, manager, or mentor to answer the employee's questions

Working Effectively with a Supervisor: Managers could supervise people with PTSD using alternative supervisory techniques.

Triangle Blue Bullet Giving assignments, instructions, or training in writing or via e-mail
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide detailed day-to-day guidance and feedback
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide positive reinforcement
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide clear expectations and the consequences of not meeting expectations
Triangle Blue Bullet Develop strategies to deal with problems before a crisis occurs

Interacting with Co-workers: People with PTSD may have difficulty working with others.

Triangle Blue Bullet Encourage the employee to walk away from frustrating situations and confrontations
Triangle Blue Bullet Allow employee to work from home part-time
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide partitions or closed doors to allow for privacy
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide disability awareness training to coworkers and supervisors

Dealing with Emotions: People with PTSD could have difficulty exhibiting appropriate emotions or controlling anger.

Triangle Blue Bullet Refer to employee assistance programs (EAP) and veterans centers
Triangle Blue Bullet Use stress management techniques to deal with frustration
Triangle Blue Bullet Use of a support animal
Triangle Blue Bullet Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for needed support
Triangle Blue Bullet Allow frequent breaks

Sleep Disturbance: People with PTSD may have disruption in sleep patterns that could affect workplace performance.

Triangle Blue Bullet Allow the employee to work one consistent schedule
Triangle Blue Bullet Allow for a flexible start time
Triangle Blue Bullet Combine regularly scheduled short breaks into one longer break
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide a place for the employee to sleep during break

Absenteeism: People with PTSD could have absenteeism or tardiness issues or have difficulty maintaining reliable attendance.

Triangle Blue Bullet Allow for a flexible start time or end time, or work from home
Triangle Blue Bullet Provide straight shift or permanent schedule
Triangle Blue Bullet Count one occurrence for all PTSD-related absences
Triangle Blue Bullet Allow the employee to make up the time missed

Panic Attacks: People with PTSD could experience panic attacks at home or at work which could affect workplace performance.

Triangle Blue Bullet Allow the employee to take a break and go to a place where s/he feels comfortable to use relaxation techniques or contact a support person
Triangle Blue Bullet Identify and remove environmental triggers such as particular smells or noises
Triangle Blue Bullet Allow the presence of a support animal

PTSD-Related Resources

Veterans: Advocacy and Social Service Resources

Veterans: Business Resources

Veterans: Conflict-Specific Resources

Veterans: Employment and Training

Veterans: Minority-Specific Resources

Veterans: Resources by Branch/Specialization

Veterans: Resources by Disability

Veterans: Resources by State/Territory

References

1. American Legion. Guide for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (5th ed.) [Brochure]. Washington, DC.

*The author would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Morgantown Vet Center, Morgantown, WV.

For additional information on accommodation ideas and the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact JAN directly.


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This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (Number J-9-M-2-0022).The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of tradenames, commercial products, or organizations imply the endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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