Heal Before You Move: Why HR Professionals Must Address Past Trauma for Future Success

When HR professionals face trauma in the workplace—whether it's managing workplace violence, dealing with death in service, or handling the fallout from a toxic work environment—it often feels easier to move on to another organization and start fresh. But what happens when you carry that unresolved trauma into your new role? Can you really do your best work without first processing and healing?

The Weight of Suppressed Trauma in HR

Suppressed trauma can manifest in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. You might feel anxious in high-stakes situations, struggle with decision-making, or feel detached from your new team. While it’s natural to think that moving to a new organization will bring a fresh start, unresolved trauma will follow you wherever you go. As an HR professional, this can impact not only your performance but also your ability to support others in their roles.

Can You Do a Good Job With Unresolved Trauma?

HR professionals are the caretakers of an organization's people and culture. If you haven't dealt with past trauma, it can be challenging to provide the emotional support your role requires. Without healing, you're at risk of:

1. Compassion Fatigue: Continually helping others through their own issues while carrying your own emotional baggage can lead to burnout or compassion fatigue.
2. Emotional Detachment: You may find it hard to engage fully with your team, leading to disconnection and reduced effectiveness.
3. Decision Paralysis: Traumatic experiences may make you hesitant to act, particularly in sensitive or high-pressure situations.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Another Organization Without Healing

Pros:

• Fresh Environment: A new work environment can offer temporary relief and distract you from past trauma.
• Career Growth: A new role might present opportunities for career advancement or a pay raise.

Cons:

• Trauma Will Resurface: Unresolved issues are likely to resurface, potentially in the form of anxiety, stress, or emotional outbursts.
• Impact on Performance: Your trauma may impact your decision-making abilities, leadership, and handling of challenging situations.
• New Relationships Suffer: Building trust and forming connections with your new team can be difficult when you're carrying emotional baggage.

Tips for Transitioning in a Healthy Way

1. Acknowledge Your Trauma: The first step to healing is recognizing that the trauma exists. Reflect on the experiences that have impacted you and how they’re affecting your current mindset.
2. Seek Professional Help: Therapy or coaching can provide you with the tools to process your emotions and build resilience. An outside perspective can help you identify and release what’s holding you back.
3. Develop a Self-Care Plan: Prioritize activities that promote your well-being, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and healthy boundaries at work.
4. Set Clear Intentions: Before transitioning to a new organization, clarify your goals. Are you moving for the right reasons or running from unresolved issues?
5. Communicate Openly: If you're comfortable, let your new employer know you're facing some challenges. This can create a supportive environment for your healing process.
6. Take Time to Reflect: Before jumping into a new role, take time to reflect on your past experiences and what you've learned. Ensure you're mentally and emotionally prepared for the transition.

Moving Forward With Purpose

Moving to another organization can be an exciting opportunity for growth and new experiences. However, without addressing the trauma you've faced in the past, you may find yourself trapped in a cycle of emotional fatigue and stress. The key is to heal before moving forward. By doing so, you can bring your full, authentic self into your new role, ready to thrive and support others.

Connecting for Support

If you're an HR professional struggling with past trauma, I encourage you to reach out for support. Together, we can work through your experiences and ensure you're ready to transition into your next role with confidence and resilience. Healing takes time, but it’s a vital part of building a fulfilling career in HR.