What is Workplace Trauma and Why It Is More Important Than Ever

Workplace trauma is an increasingly critical issue that organizations can no longer afford to ignore. In a rapidly changing, post pandemic world the importance of understanding and addressing trauma in the workplace has never been greater. Social upheaval, economic instability and the relentless demands of modern work, family and social lives have all contributed to unprecedented levels of stress among employees. The statistics paint a stark picture

• In 2021, the European Working Conditions Survey reported that 44% of European employees experienced work-related stress, with mental health issues like anxiety and depression becoming increasingly prevalent.
• 76% percent of full-time U.S.-based employees reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition in 2021, an increase of 17% in just two years according to the Mind Share Partners 2021 Mental Health at Work Report

In a world where millions of people carry the burden of occupational trauma, compounded by personal traumatic experiences, it's likely that many of these individuals are part of our own organizations and communities. No one is immune to trauma!

Recognizing this reality is the first step toward creating a more supportive and resilient workplace.

What is Workplace Trauma?

Workplace trauma refers to the emotional, physical, and psychological harm that employees may experience as a result of stressful, toxic and harmful work environments. This can stem from various sources, such as witnessing or experiencing workplace violence, bullying, discrimination or even the chronic stress of excessive workloads and lack of support. When left unaddressed, these experiences can have lasting adverse effects on an individual's mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Unlike general workplace stress, which can often be managed through coping mechanisms and support, workplace trauma leaves a deeper, more lasting impact. It can result from a single, significant event or accumulate over time due to repeated exposure to harmful conditions.

Symptoms of Workplace Trauma

The symptoms of workplace trauma can manifest in many ways, affecting both the mind and body. Some common symptoms include:

• Anxiety and Depression: Persistent feelings of anxiety or depression, particularly related to work, are common indicators of workplace trauma.
• Chronic Fatigue: Experiencing constant exhaustion, even after a full night's sleep, can be a sign of trauma.
• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, digestive issues, and other stress-related physical ailments often accompany workplace trauma.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trauma can impair cognitive functions, making it hard to focus, make decisions or perform daily tasks.
• Irritability and Mood Swings: Individuals may experience heightened irritability or sudden mood changes in response to work-related stressors.
• Avoidance Behavior: Employees might avoid certain tasks, people, or environments associated with their trauma.

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for both individuals and employers to take appropriate action to address and mitigate the impact of workplace trauma.

From an organizational perspective, trauma can manifest in several ways, including increased absenteeism, high turnover rates, and poor job performance.

42% of employees in US have quit their jobs due to workplace stress (Kaiser Permanente 2019)

Mental health conditions are estimated to cost employers in the US up to $193.2 billion annually in lost earnings due to absenteeism and presenteeism (2021 State of Mental Health in America)

Given the current state of the workforce, implementing trauma-informed practices in organizations is not just beneficial but necessary. Trauma-informed workplaces are those that recognize the prevalence of trauma and take active steps to create environments that promote safety, trust and support. These workplaces prioritize employee well-being, leading to improved mental and physical health, greater job satisfaction and better overall performance.

Can Workplace Trauma Be Healed and How?

Workplace trauma, while deeply impactful, is not insurmountable. Addressing workplace trauma effectively can lead to not only the recovery of affected individuals but also the transformation of the workplace into a healthier, more supportive environment. Trauma-informed workplaces are those that recognize the prevalence of trauma and take active steps to create environments that promote safety, trust and support like the ones below:

1. Creating a Supportive environment: start with acknowledging the existence of workplace trauma and committing to creating a safe, inclusive space for all employees. Implementing open communication channels where employees can express their concerns without fear of retribution is key.
2. Bringing Awareness: Educating employees and leadership on recognizing the signs of trauma, understanding its effects, and learning how to support affected colleagues.
3. Providing Access to Mental Health Resources: this can include on/off site counseling services or partnerships with mental health professionals who specialize in trauma. Ensuring that these resources are easily accessible and confidential encourages employees to seek help when needed.
4. Implementing Trauma-Informed Policies: enforcing policies that protect employees from further harm including clear anti-bullying and anti-harassment policies and protocols for addressing grievances related to workplace trauma.
5. Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is crucial in preventing and healing workplace trauma. Organizations can support this by promoting flexible working hours, limiting after-hours work expectations and encouraging employees to take regular breaks and vacations.

Conclusion

Workplace trauma is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on individuals and organizations alike. By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the statistics and implementing strategies for both individual healing and organizational change, we can begin to create healthier, more supportive work environments. Whether you’re an employee dealing with trauma or an employer seeking to improve workplace culture, taking steps toward a trauma-informed approach is crucial for the well-being and success of everyone involved.

#WorkplaceTrauma #MentalHealth #EmployeeWellbeing

About me

Hi, I am Katerina Stoli,

My work in the field of self development focuses on helping individuals deal with adversity in the workplace, transform their traumatic experiences into invaluable resources that ignite their future and successfully navigate personal and professional transitions.

EMCC Accredited Coach at Senior Practitioner Level | CPD Accredited Trauma-Informed Coach | Accredited Career Coach | MSc