What is trauma? Could it be impacting your team’s performance at work?
Trauma can be a difficult and painful subject to discuss, but it’s something we all experience and must learn to navigate when it impacts our nervous system and ability to feel safe in our own bodies.
It's important, therefore, to understand the impact of trauma on employees in the workplace.
Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing event that has a lasting emotional effect on an individual. This can include events such as extreme weather, serious accidents, acts of violence, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
Workplace trauma, in and of itself, has become a widely experienced phenomenon, which research shows also has a profound impact on the emotional state of employees.
One study found that being laid off ranked seventh among the most stressful life experiences, for example, which is higher on the list than things like divorce or even the death of a close friend.
Layoffs—whether the employee is being directly impacted or simply witnessing the layoff of a colleague—also has a profound impact on the psyche and wellbeing of professionals, at the most atomic level.
And this trauma can have a significant impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being, affecting their performance at work. According to the American Psychological Association, individuals who have experienced trauma may have difficulty with concentration, decision-making, and time management, along with feelings of anxiety, depression, and irritability. These symptoms can be particularly challenging in a work environment, where individuals are expected to be productive, focused, and cooperative. As a result, teams that are dealing with trauma may experience a decline in performance and productivity, and increase in conflicts among team members.
It's also important to note that not all individuals are equally affected by trauma. Research shows, for example, that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ individuals are among the most vulnerable to experience a high rate of traumatic events, especially as it relates to identity-based discrimination and oppression.
It's essential for employers to be aware of these disparities and take steps to create a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. This can include providing cultural competency training for employees and implementing policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Employers can also provide resources and support for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ employees who may have experienced trauma and provide specific accommodations to support their mental and emotional well-being.
When employers are aware of these nuances of trauma, and how it may vary based on identity or become exacerbated in the workplace, they can take the necessary steps to help aid in the healing process.
Employee assistance programs that provide resources for counseling and therapy, create a culture where vulnerability is embraced that makes employees feel safe and supported enough to discuss their experiences. Providing flexible time off, and accommodations, for employees facing mental health challenges is another way to create a mental health-friendly workplace. Trauma-informed programming and training is another way to cultivate an environment that understands, adequately responds to and supports employees who have experienced trauma.
Lastly, as a leader, it's crucial to be empathetic, understanding and non-judgmental while providing and delivering this support. Trauma is a deeply personal topic that your employees would appreciate being handled with tenderness, care, confidentiality and trust.
If handled correctly, your employees will feel as though they work for a company who cares about all aspects of their wellbeing, both in, and outside of, the office.
In summary, Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being, thereby also affecting their performance at work. Nalaverse’s website contains a host of resources, and employee resilience programs, that can aid in the process of making your workplace’s approach to employee health and wellness more trauma-informed.
For more detailed information and research on Trauma, You can refer to reputable sources such as American Psychological Association, National Institute of Mental Health and other research studies.
