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According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, 6 in 10 men and 5 in 10 women will experience some sort of trauma in their lives. Moreover, most of us will experience a trauma that could lead to PTSD.
Of those who experience trauma, 70-90 percent of individuals will not do the work to move past their trauma. Less than 30% of individuals will take the steps to manage their adversity and 5% of individuals truly take the time to heal from their traumas and harness their true potential. I truly believe it’s that 5% that become leaders that others look up to. Those leaders are tough, yet vulnerable. They possess a presence that encourages others to listen and follow. They provide hope for a fruitful future.
Most importantly, these 5% recognize the need for trauma-aware workplaces. Here are some ways to create a trauma-informed workplace:
- Provide opportunities to learn about trauma and how to act around each other.
- Create a workplace culture that prioritizes safety, trust, and open communication.
- Practice empathy and compassion – learn what to say and do when confronted with someone experiencing the effects of trauma.
- Provide and promote resources such as counseling, employee assistance programs, or mental health support.
- Be flexible and accommodating for team members who need support.
- Promote self-care in the workplace and a work/life balance.
- Address or minimize triggers in the workplace.
- Assess what is working and adapt policies to address weak points.