Trauma in the workplace is a growing concern for employers and employees alike. Workplace trauma can come in many forms, including physical violence, a toxic work environment, work accidents, and unrelated traumas that happen at work. It can have a significant impact on employees’ physical and mental health, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and decreased work performance. It is essential for organisations to take steps to support employees that have experienced workplace trauma and address it as a risk in the workplace.
An organisational approach to addressing trauma as a risk in the workplace involves creating a culture of safety, empathy, and support. This approach acknowledges the importance of trauma-informed care and recognises that addressing trauma requires a comprehensive and sustained effort.
Leadership can play a crucial role in addressing trauma in the workplace. They can set the tone for the organisation by creating a culture that values empathy and support. This can include offering regular check-ins with managers or mental health professionals, providing resources for stress management and self-care, and encouraging employees to speak up if they experience trauma or stress.
Removing the Stigma
The first step in mitigating workplace trauma is to remove the stigma surrounding it. Talking openly with employees about trauma creates a sense of psychological safety and encourages employees to seek help if and when they need it. If there is a trauma that occurs in your workplace, acknowledge it and talk about it openly with your employees.
Offering Trauma-Awareness Training
Trauma-awareness training is also essential for leaders and employees to understand how to support colleagues who have experienced trauma. Leaders should receive trauma-awareness training to help them understand how to recognise trauma symptoms, respond appropriately, and provide support to employees. Employees can also benefit from trauma-awareness training to help them recognise their own trauma and empower them to seek treatment and support.
Providing Resources for Traumatised Employees
It’s important to have additional resources available to support employees dealing with trauma, such as referrals to trauma specialists and information on where to find support. Leadership, managers, and HR professionals should also be trained on how to support employees dealing with trauma. While they can offer support and understanding, they cannot provide professional help and treatment.
Offering flexible work arrangements can help employees manage the symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety and flashbacks. This can include options such as working from home, adjusting work schedules, or reducing workload. Providing these options can help employees manage their symptoms and maintain their productivity.
Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Workplace
Creating a trauma-sensitive workplace involves taking steps to minimize triggers for employees who have experienced trauma. This can include avoiding the use of harsh language, providing clear and consistent communication, and creating a safe and comfortable physical environment. Creating a trauma-sensitive workplace can help employees feel safe and supported in their work environment.
Encouraging Access to Mental Health Resources
Providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling or therapy, can help employees manage the effects of trauma. Encouraging employees to take advantage of these resources can help them feel supported and reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues.
The Bottom Line
Workplace trauma can have a significant impact on employees’ physical and mental health, causing decreased work performance, increased absenteeism, and burnout. Employers can help address trauma in the workplace by fostering a culture of empathy and support, providing trauma-informed training for leaders, offering flexible work arrangements, encouraging access to mental health resources, and creating a trauma-sensitive workplace. By creating a trauma-sensitive workplace the organisation is actively taking steps to minimise risks to employees who have experienced trauma.
Author Teresa Coffey
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