Question
How can identifying workplace trauma benefit employees and the overall work environment?
Answer
Identifying workplace trauma serves a dual purpose: it acknowledges that employees are affected by these challenges and reassures them that they are not alone. Creating a trauma-informed workplace culture helps employees comprehend their trauma and encourages them to seek treatment or support. This awareness also enables managers to support their team members more effectively, promoting a culture of resilience and recovery. It is crucial to prepare for trauma before it occurs, ensuring that a plan of action is in place for when challenges arise.
Reflecting on your workplace, consider whether it is trauma-informed. Has this topic been discussed in team meetings or training sessions? In my discussions with healthcare professionals, trauma-informed practices are often not widely implemented in settings such as doctor's offices, hospitals, or clinics. This highlights the need for broader awareness and adoption of trauma-informed approaches across all sectors of healthcare, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for all employees.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Staying Grounded Through Workplace Trauma, presented by Ten'Niquwa Bryan,
M.S in I/O Psychology.
