Pandemic-fuelled trauma is leading to a dramatic decline in employee concentration levels across the US, according to data from Total Brain, a mental health and brain performance self-monitoring and self-care platform.
The platform’s latest Mental Health Index: U.S. Worker Edition revealed the risk of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rose 36% between February and May 2021 and was 55% higher than pre-pandemic.
Lack of concentration is among the top symptoms of PTSD and the findings show employee sustained attention has declined 24% among all staff since April and is now 59% lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Comparing this data to a month ago, employees aged over 60 showed a 125% decline, with those aged 20-39 showing a 37% decline.
Commenting on the findings, Louis Gagnon, CEO of Total Brain, said: “Employees returning to the workplace will bring with them the emotional trauma of the past year.
“This trauma will likely manifest itself through a decline in productivity and job performance. Dialogue, empathy and a move to eliminate ambiguity in future plans has never been more important than now. It is what employees will need as we all navigate the path forward.”