Harnessing the Power of Trauma-Informed Design: Supporting the Fight Response in the Workplace

This week our Workplace Advisory Team introduced the importance of Trauma Informed Design principals in the workplace during Allsteel 's Learning Lab. (Please reach out for a copy of the recording if interested).

We discussed the many possible responses humans can experience when navigating a trauma; these include:

?? Fight - responding to potential threats with aggression (physical or verbal)

?? Flight - Running or escaping threats

? Freeze - Shutting down or becoming numb

?? Fawn - Becoming agreeable, people-pleasing or putting others needs ahead of yours

With 70% of adults in the US having experienced Trauma in their lives and 90% of our days are spent in the built environment creating inclusive environments have never been more important.

As stewards of the built environment we can harness the power of Trauma-Informed Design principles in creating workplaces that support humans. This article is highlighting those individuals who may be experiencing the ?? Fight Response.

?? Fight Response is ultimately about control. We believe if we maintain power over whatever is considered a threat we will gain control; the upper hand. This can look like many things but often is associated with physical fighting, yelling, throwing things and can feel like a your throat is closing or tight & dry, crying or even tense shoulders and shortness of breath.

Understanding & catering to the unique needs of individuals in this state, we can cultivate an environment that empowers, nurtures, and enables their personal and professional growth.

Here are some key ways a workplace designed with trauma-informed principles can support employees in the ?? Fight response:

?? Empowering Spaces: Trauma-Informed Designed recognizes the need for autonomy & control. Spaces that support the fight response provide employees with a sense of power and agency. They feature flexible furniture arrangements, allowing individuals to create personal workstations that align with their preferences and comfort. By providing options for standing or sitting desks, adjustable lighting, and ergonomic chairs, we empower employees to customize their surroundings and optimize their work experience.

?? Outlet for Energy: Employees in the fight response often have excess energy & a drive to take action. Trauma-Informed Designed Spaces can include designated areas that allow individuals to release & channel their energy constructively. These spaces may feature punching bags, stress balls, or even designated zones for physical activity or movement breaks. By providing outlets for physical expression, we help employees channel their energy and maintain focus throughout the day.

?? Mindful Distractions: Fight responses can create a heightened state of alertness, which can be both beneficial & overwhelming. Trauma-Informed Designed Spaces incorporate elements that provide mindful distractions, such as soft background music, white noise machines, or natural soundscapes. These features help employees strike a balance between staying engaged and managing their stress levels, fostering a more relaxed and focused working environment.

?? Calming Zones: Trauma-Informed Design recognizes the importance of creating dedicated spaces for relaxation and decompression. Designated calming zones offer employees a safe retreat when they need a moment of respite. These areas can include comfortable seating, dimmed lighting, and soothing colors.

Incorporating nature-inspired elements, like indoor plants or natural materials, further promotes a sense of serenity and helps individuals regulate their fight responses effectively.

?? Emotional Support: Recognizing that the fight response can be emotionally taxing, Trauma-Informed Designed Spaces prioritize emotional support. This can be achieved through designated quiet rooms or private spaces where employees can seek solace, practice self-care, or engage in calming activities. These spaces also provide an opportunity for employees to connect with mental health resources, such as access to counseling services or a support network, enabling them to navigate their emotions effectively.

By adopting Trauma-Informed Design principles, we can transform workplaces into spaces that honor the unique needs of employees in the fight response. Together, we can create an environment that encourages their strengths, promotes well-being, and fosters personal growth.

Championing the integration of trauma-informed practices in our workplaces, paves the way for a more compassionate and inclusive work culture.

Far too many organizations and leaders continue to fixate on a set number of days per week as being the driver of culture rather than really looking at what culture is, how its built and how it's reinforced. The reality is it has very little to do with # of days in an office and more to do with supporting the humans you built the environment for in the first place. How many days they use that environment should be the RESULT not the DRIVER.

#TraumaInformedDesign #WorkplaceSupport #Empowerment #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters