Retro members gathered at the recently renovated Wenatchee Convention Center May 6 for the 2026 Retro Annual Meeting. Attendees heard the latest updates from AWC Retro staff and attended a four-person panel discussion on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in workers’ comp. Here are five key takeaways.
- Engage your community by building relationships with local mental health providers, peer networks, and public safety partners, so employees know support is available before a crisis occurs.
- There is a fine line between professionalism and the ability to be honest and vulnerable about an occupation. Leaders should create a workplace culture where employees can speak openly without fear of judgement or career impact.
- Get ahead of stigma and talk about PTSD and occupational stresses as normal workplace health and safety topics from the hiring process through daily operations, training, and supervision.
- Be selective and aware while forming peer support groups for employees. Focus on choosing trusted individuals who are well-trained, respected by staff, and understand the importance of confidentiality and boundaries.
- It is always great to have good intentions when forming policy, but employers should also have direct conversations with employees about what support, accommodations, or resources they need to be successful.
Thank you to our panel consisting of: Dr. Jennifer Jutte, Assistant Medical Director, Psychology, L&I, Shawn Friang, HR Director & Emergency Manager at the City of Arlington, Lieutenant Paul Frailey with the City of Olympia Police Department, and Candice Bock, AWC Government Relations Director. Your expertise and insights were invaluable!