7. Workplace Reactions

The Functional Disconnect Reaction

The “Functional Disconnect” from a team is a workplace-based reaction that inhibits team functioning. Often people are unaware of the degree to which their disengagement affects the team’s performance. Emotional disconnect occurs as part of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious or secondary traumatic stress, and people develop ways to functionally disconnect so that they can continue their work by protecting themselves through emotional distance (22). Usually this is done by focusing on protocols instead of processes.

When considering your own reactions to your workplace conditions, self-awareness is key. If you have an unresolved conflict with a colleague, or are still deeply affected by a clinical "near miss" or adverse outcome, these issues are always present at work and can impede your ability to engage fully in your role. Ways to overcome this and facilitate an “emotional reconnect” include mindfulness and listening to yourself and others (21).

The Functional Reconnect Strategy (2):

  • Look

  • Listen

  • Link

'Look' means to establish safety through eye contact, turning toward the person, and being present. 'Listen' uses empathy and communication skills. Empathize with what is being said and establish a relationship using verbal communication skills like acknowledging the feelings behind a message. 'Link' strives for expanding the relationship by looking for solutions together and providing resources to support obtaining the solutions.

FIFE is another tool that you can use to develop self-awareness when working in teams (21). The process includes managing your emotions, tuning in to how you are judging yourself and others, identifying how you are reacting to others, and noting how you are expressing yourself.