Increase in Trauma Leading to Psychological Injury Among Canadian Homelessness Services Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the traumatic psychological impact of the pandemic on frontline workers in homelessness services.

Methods: Staff from homelessness serving organizations completed pre- and mid-COVID pandemic surveys measuring traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), burnout, and job-related traumatic experiences. The mid-pandemic survey was expanded to seven Canadian cities to determine prevalence of workplace PTSS nationally.

Results: In the comparison group, baseline rates of PTSS (41%) rose to 47.3% ( n = 164), while 75% reported low-moderate levels of burnout both times. Nationwide, PYSS was 51% ( n = 574). Case managers working at remotely had greater levels of PTSS.

Conclusions: COVID-19 exacerbated risk of psychological workplace injury from traumatic stress; however, burnout did not increase significantly, indicating the primary dynamic as anxiety and emotional exhaustion associated with ubiquitous trauma induced by COVID-19. Working remotely increased the hazards of psychological workplace injury.