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Vicarious trauma has become a "hot topic" in recent years, but many employers continue to underestimate their exposure and rely on controls that don't go far enough, according to a mental health expert.

This HR Daily Premium Q&A discusses:

• heightened attention on vicarious trauma as a psychosocial risk;
• prevalence patterns and impacts across roles and industries;
• how and when vicarious trauma typically manifests in workplaces;
• commonly overlooked or misunderstood aspects of this hazard;
• early warning signs for employers and managers;
• misconceptions that limit effective vicarious trauma management;
• the importance of psychologically safe conversations and check-ins;
• peer supervision and peer-to-peer debriefing;
• psychological screening for trauma-exposed roles; and
• protective workplace factors and practices.