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Introduction to Trauma-Informed Workplaces for HR

Adopt trauma-aware and compassionate practices to foster a safe workplace for all.

Trauma is extremely prevalent and affects employees in complex ways, impacting their wellbeing, health, and outcomes in and outside of work.

Along a continuum of care, HR and leaders have a responsibility to be more trauma informed while promoting access to (but not delivering) trauma-specific care.

Being trauma informed involves recognizing how the experience of trauma affects the behaviors and actions of survivors and prioritizing their safety, choice, and control (CAMH), especially in industries where employees face greater risk of experiencing trauma at work (e.g. healthcare, social assistance and public safety, etc.).

Trauma-specific care refers to approaches designed to treat trauma-related symptoms, trauma-related disorders, and specific disorders of traumatic stress (SAMHSA), delivered by certified professionals.

Executive Summary

Critical Insight

Becoming trauma informed is a proactive approach to promoting health and preventing harm that demonstrates organizational support of wellbeing and safety for all individuals.

A failure to intentionally be more trauma informed as an organization risks the psychological safety and wellbeing of individuals in the organization who have survived trauma, are experiencing trauma, or may encounter trauma in the future.

Impact & Result

  • Develop a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the complexities of trauma, its prevalence, and its impact.
  • Review research on trauma-informed models to develop an approach that addresses needs and is anchored in the pillars of psychological safety (promote health, prevent harm, and resolve incidents and concerns).
  • Adopt practical tactics for the organization to be trauma informed to support employees who have experienced trauma in and outside of work.

Research & Tools

1. What trauma is and why it matters at work

Define trauma and its impacts on individuals and organizations.

2. The foundations of a trauma-informed workplace

Outline what being a trauma-informed workplace means and anchor trauma-informed practices in the pillars of psychological safety.

3. Trauma-informed practices at work

Identify actionable tactics to prevent harm, promote health, and resolve incidents to foster a trauma-informed workplace.

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