Author and therapist Resmaa Menakem defines trauma as “a thing or things that happened either too much, too soon, too fast, or for too long without something being attended to by something reparative or healing.”
Trauma is common and pervasive and can impede an individual’s health, creativity, focus, and ability to thrive in the workplace.
Nearly 60% of American men and 50% of women have experienced at least one trauma in their lives (National Center for PTSD). It’s the root cause of so many of our nation’s most pressing challenges (e.g., substance misuse and suicide) and prevalent public health challenges, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure.
Leaders have a unique opportunity to create an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered. By weaving trauma-informed practices into culture, you can foster supportive workplaces that fuel your entire team’s well-being and success.
Healing and resiliency are built in healthy connections and relationships, and to create a trauma-informed workplace, consider how SAMHSA’s principles can be better integrated into your organization:
- Safety: Ensure your workplace is physically and emotionally safe for all team members, which includes fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. Create spaces where team members can book private rooms for decompression or quiet work. Offer regular, anonymous workplace safety surveys that include emotional and psychological safety questions.
- Trustworthiness & Transparency: Build trust with your team by being transparent in your communications and decision-making processes. Provide clear expectations and follow through on your commitments to foster a sense of reliability and trust. Establish a “Reverse Mentoring” program where junior team members mentor leadership on current workplace challenges and perspectives.
- Peer Support: Encourage and facilitate peer support networks within your organization. This can include resource groups, mentorship programs, and opportunities for folks to connect and share their experiences.
- Collaboration & Mutuality: Foster a culture of collaboration and mutuality, where team members are encouraged to work together and support one another. Involve them in decision-making processes and seek their input and feedback to promote a sense of ownership and investment in the organization.
- Empowerment, Voice & Choice: Empower your team by providing opportunities for professional development, skill-building, and career advancement. Encourage them to use their voice and provide choices in how they engage with their work and the organization.
- Cultural, Historical & Gender Issues: Be mindful of your team’s diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ensure your workplace culture is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of cultural, historical, and gender differences.
Embracing the trauma-informed approach isn’t a one-time exercise–it’s a commitment to an ongoing and constantly developing process of building upon your team’s strengths while mitigating challenges.
We believe these practices provide a more collaborative and thoughtful environment for all employees, regardless of background or circumstance. One could think of these approaches as beneficial to their entire workforce rather than a ‘fix’ for those affected by trauma. If you’re ready to get started, please contact us today.
GO DEEPER:
- Toolkit: Trauma-Informed Workplaces (Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice)
- Guide: Trauma-Informed Meetings, Discussions & Conversations (Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice)
(AI Disclaimer: proofed by Grammarly and lightly edited using Claude)
