The effects of trauma and stress don’t stop at the door when people come to work.
Many of us have had challenging life experiences that shape how we feel, think, and act. A trauma-informed workplace takes this understanding to create a safer, more supportive space for everyone.
Keep reading for 6 simple steps on how to introduce trauma-informed practices at your place of work.
1. Learn the basics
Start by understanding what trauma is and how it affects people. Trauma can impact behavior, relationships, and even job performance. You can learn more about trauma by listening to an episode of our Pathways podcast, reading resources, or getting involved with our
trauma-informed events & initiatives.
2. Practice understanding over judgment
If someone seems withdrawn, overwhelmed, or reactive, pause and become curious. In a trauma-informed workplace, managers and leaders will wonder why someone may be struggling instead of making assumptions about someone.
For example, instead of thinking that someone who is underperforming is “lazy” or “unmotivated,” a manager may learn that the employee is worried and distracted about a family member who has a serious illness. This understanding sets the stage for workable solutions.
3. Create psychological safety
Safety looks and feels different for everyone. Simple actions like regular check-ins, showing kindness, and respecting boundaries go a long way. Make sure team members feel safe sharing concerns without fear of punishment or retaliation. Create multiple opportunities to obtain staff feedback, including anonymous surveys. It is also important for leaders to respond to the feedback that is received.
It is not uncommon for leaders and staff to have different views on trust and safety in the workplace. One way to get on the same page is to get a snapshot of your organization’s current practices. Our free TRUST tool gives you an actionable report with customized recommendations. Our team is also here to talk with you about your results.
4. Support staff wellbeing
Trauma-informed workplaces care about the well-being of their employees. This means going beyond the occasional pizza party or staff recognition. Staff wellbeing is supported by daily practices in the workplace, including regular and clear communication, opportunities for staff to provide feedback, manageable workloads, and providing resources to support wellbeing both at and outside of work.
5. Offer training and resources
In a trauma-informed workplace, everyone has the chance to learn about trauma,
trauma-responsive practices, and ways to support well-being. Making time for trauma-informed training for your team lets people know that this is important and also shows your organization’s commitment to learning together, and building trust and shared understanding.
Another way to support your organizational commitment to wellness is making self-care practices easily available. Consider doing a Breath-Body-Mind practice session as a team, or promoting the availability of these free, online practices that support well-being.
6. Lead by example
Supervisors and managers set the tone. When leadership models understanding, flexibility, and self-awareness, it gives others permission to do the same.
Trauma-informed practices are for everyone and help everyone to be their best at work, home, and in the community. You don’t need to be a therapist to be trauma-informed. You just need to lead with care and compassion. Visit traumainformedny.org for tools, events, and resources that can support your workplace on this journey.
The NYS TINRC Newsletter are produced by CCSI. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH).