PTSD At Work

In this episode of The People Success Circle, Mindy sits down with Mandi Pratt—a resilience speaker, trauma-informed advocate, and podcaster—for an honest conversation about mental health at work and what happens when trauma follows someone into the workplace.Mandi shares parts of her personal story and explains how PTSD in the workplace (including complex PTSD) can show up in ways leaders don’t always recognize—difficulty focusing, trouble making decisions, heightened anxiety, and working in survival mode. Because these experiences are often invisible, employees may be labeled as “disengaged” or “underperforming” when they’re actually navigating workplace stress and trauma behind the scenes.Together, Mindy and Mandi unpack what trauma-informed leadership can look like in real life—especially for managers and HR professionals who want to build psychological safety at work without prying or forcing disclosure. They discuss the importance of wellbeing check-ins, how to approach conversations with compassion, and why employees may not speak up even when support is available.You’ll also hear practical strategies for supporting employees with PTSD, including how HR can implement safety planning when needed, how to use workplace resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and how leaders can reduce stigma by normalizing mental health support and accommodations.If you’re a leader, HR professional, or employee trying to navigate a difficult season, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate look at how trauma impacts job performance—and what it takes to create a truly supportive work environment.In this episode, we cover:What workplace PTSD awareness looks like—and why trauma is often missed at workCommon PTSD symptoms at work (focus issues, decision fatigue, anxiety, panic, survival mode)Recognizing trauma responses at work vs assuming it’s “just performance”How leaders can build emotional safety in the workplace through consistent wellbeing check-insWhat to say when you notice a change in behavior (without forcing disclosure)Why employees often don’t ask for help, even when they need itPractical examples of employee mental health support, including EAP resourcesHow HR can support safety planning and create a more trauma-informed workplaceLeadership behaviors that can unintentionally cause harm (pressure, control, judgment)The mindset shift that creates healing-centered workplaces: acknowledgement + compassion + consistencyHow to help reduce stigma and support mental health accommodations at work when appropriateResources Mentioned:Website: https://mandipratt.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenawareandprepared/Podcast: Aware and PreparedLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandipratt/Take Mandi’s Intuition Quiz: Curious how well you’re trusting your intuition—at work and in life? Take Mandi’s intuition quiz to assess how you respond to internal signals and where you may be overriding your instincts.Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://www.limerockcareerco.com/networking-school-1People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybookCompany Website: www.limerockcareerco.comSpeaking Website: www.mindyeast.com