Trauma-informed policies are created to foster a more inclusive workplace for everyone, particularly those with mental health challenges. Creating an inclusive workplace with trauma-informed care includes implementing policies that incorporate measures to prevent traumatization of all employees and re-traumatization of individuals with PTSD. Along with treatment for PTSD, this allows the employees to better focus and engage in their work.
If your organization has not yet embraced trauma-informed practices, this blog will provide information on how to get started.
Trauma can have a lasting impact on the mental and physical well-being of anyone, regardless of their age or occupation. Even after the traumatic event has passed, some people find it challenging to cope with feelings of despair, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance. These difficulties can lead to issues with concentration, mood regulation, and sleep, making it hard for individuals with PTSD to focus at school or work. Additionally, they may resort to avoidance behaviors or isolate themselves due to fear of stigma or re-experiencing the traumatic event.
Even though anyone could get PTSD, certain occupations and lifestyles place people at a higher risk of developing it.
They include:
A trauma-informed workplace considers the following when developing its policies and practices. Although the overall goal is to provide a safe space for all employees, a trauma-informed workplace tries hard to avoid re-traumatizing people with PTSD.
Re-traumatization can occur when an employee must constantly retell their story, is labeled an addict, does not have access to mental health services, or experiences profiling of race, lifestyle, or disability.
To create a trauma-informed workplace, organizational changes reflecting safety, empowerment, collaboration, choice, and trustworthiness are essential. Incorporate the following practices into your policies by:
Trauma can lead to employee absenteeism, communication challenges, and reduced focus, affecting overall productivity. Implementing a trauma-informed approach can reduce these risks and provide various benefits.
They include but are not limited to:
PTSD is a disorder that can cause a person to exhibit changes in their behavior and mood. While these symptoms may not always be present, they can unexpectedly manifest at work, leading to uncharacteristic and unprofessional behavior.
Some of the signs you might notice in an employee with PTSD include:
To foster a more inclusive workplace for employees with PTSD, it’s important to promote open conversations about mental health and treatment for mental health conditions. Providing educational pamphlets about trauma and anxiety, along with resources for treatment and additional support, such as community support groups for PTSD or creating safe spaces to share experiences, can be very helpful. Additionally, organizing mental health workshops or lectures can further support employees with PTSD.
Another way to make your workplace more inclusive is to provide employee assistance programs that support a good work-life balance. These programs should, at a minimum, include mental health coverage and physical fitness.
The key to establishing a more inclusive workplace involves:
Remember to regularly assess these changes and adjust them when and where necessary.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that cannot be cured, but it can be healed. Healing often starts at home, and for many people, this includes their workplace. By adopting a trauma-informed framework, employees can heal faster, leading to increased productivity and a thriving workplace overall.
It’s important to note that it could take up to five years for these changes to be embedded in your company’s culture. However, individual practices can be introduced immediately.
