Apathy in the Workplace

By Dr. Sue Ann T. Guy

Definition, Occurrence and Symptoms: Apathy is a lack of interests, enthusiasm or concern; Lack of feeling or emotion.1 Absence or suppression of passion, emotion or excitement; Lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.2  (Bystander apathy is when people witness others in need and choose to do nothing to help, intervene or offer assistance.) Symptoms of apathy include lack of interest, motivation or emotion, inability to perform well at work, disrupted social relationships, low energy levels, reduced participation, anhedonia (inability of enjoyment), lethargy (slowness, sluggishness). Apathy may be caused by depression, low self-esteem, trauma or anxiety.3, 5 The opposite of apathy is sympathy (sharing the feelings of another, especially in sorrow or trouble; fellow feeling or compassion), enthusiasm, interest and passion.4

Coping Strategies: An apathetic person in the workplace influences the environment. To cope, an apathetic person must be aware for triggers, digitally disconnect, exercise, seek support systems, set small goals, change routines and breakdown large projects into small steps.3 People negatively impacted by an apathetic person in the work environment may foster and communicate a work environment that reaches out to the apathetic person, express concern and offer support without judging.5

References

1.       https://www.google.com/search?q=define+apathy&oq=define+apathy&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l5j0i22i30l4.2093j1j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

2.       https://www.dictionary.com/browse/apathy

3.       https://www.verywellmind.com/apathy-lethargy-and-anhedonia-379832

4.       https://www.dictionary.com/browse/sympathy

5.       https://jedfoundation.org/resource/understanding-apathy/

Helplessness in the Workplace

By Dr. Sue Ann T. Guy

Definition, Occurrence and Symptoms: Helplessness is the temporary inability to defend oneself or act effectively. Lacking protection or support, especially when faced with difficulty. The feeling or state of being unable to do anything to help yourself or anyone else. Feeling defenseless, powerlessness, out of control, unable to manage.

Learned helplessness is an ongoing behavior that occurs or manifest when someone is repeatedly subject or controlled by an aversive stimulus that is inescapable. Eventually, the person will stop trying to avoid the stimulus and behave as if utterly helpless to change the situation. Even when opportunities to escape are presented, this learned helplessness will prevent any action. When people feel that they have no control over their situation, they may begin to behave in a helpless manner. This inaction can lead people to overlook opportunities for relief or change. Learned helplessness may also contribute to feelings of anxiety and may influence the onset, severity, and persistence of conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).1 Low self-esteem, frustration, passivity and lack of motivation or effort are other symptoms of learned helplessness.2 The opposite of helplessness is feeling guarded, protected, shielded, capable and in control.

Coping Strategies: When experiencing helplessness, seek someone’s help or continually practice independently. Research suggests that learned helplessness can be successfully decreased, particularly if intervention occurs during early onset. Long-term learned helplessness can also be reduced by CBT therapy, although it may require longer-term effort.1 Fostering and communicating a work environment where you and coworkers feel guarded, protected, shielded, capable and in control.

References

1. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-learned-helplessness-2795326

2. https://www.betterup.com/blog/learned-helplessness