Why You Need To Build A Trauma-Informed Business

Get your FREE Special Report: How to Build a Trauma-Informed Business

In the heart of a bustling city, there stood a once vibrant bakery named “Sweet Serenity.” But behind the cheerful facade, a storm brewed.

The business faced a whirlwind of emotional turmoil — its employees, burdened by personal woes, carried the weight of their own broken dreams, stifling their creativity.

Meanwhile, customers — seeking solace in pastries — arrived with invisible scars, longing for a moment of respite.

In this dance of shattered souls, “Sweet Serenity” resembled a delicate, neglected clockwork, its gears grinding against each other, crying out for repair.

Yet, amidst the chaos, the owner, a wise old baker, recognized that the business was like a wounded bird, incapable of soaring until it tended to the fragility within.

With warmth in his eyes, he embarked on a journey to mend the broken wings of his employees and customers alike, stitching threads of empathy and understanding, until “Sweet Serenity” transformed into an oasis of healing, where every bite of a pastry sparked memories of resilience and the shared human experience.

There’s a lot of emotional trauma all around you

Many people struggle with the lasting effects of different types of adversity and stress— from childhood trauma issues to post-pandemic trauma issues.

And a lot of that trauma manifests itself in challenging outward behaviors.

• Irritability
• Annoyance
• Anxiety
• Disrespect
• Indifference
• Contempt
• Depression

And none of that shows up well within your business.

Gone are the days when business owners could realistically expect employees and customers to “leave their emotional baggage at the door,” before conducting business.

Trapped negative emotions can become toxic

Trapped negative emotions can manifest in various ways for employees while they’re at work:

• Decreased Productivity: Employees may experience difficulty focusing on tasks, have a reduced ability to concentrate, and struggle to complete work efficiently. Trapped negative emotions can occupy their thoughts, making it challenging to stay engaged and perform at their best.
• Increased Absenteeism: Unresolved negative emotions can lead to increased absenteeism, as employees may feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with their emotional struggles. They may frequently call in sick or take more time off than usual to deal with their emotional state.
• Changes in Behavior: Employees may exhibit noticeable changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, irritable, or easily agitated. Trapped negative emotions can affect their mood, leading to a noticeable shift in their interactions with colleagues and overall demeanor.
• Reduced Collaboration: When employees are grappling with emotional stuff, they may withdraw from team interactions and collaborative efforts. They may hesitate to contribute ideas, offer support, or engage in group discussions, resulting in a decline in teamwork and cooperation.
• Increased Conflict: Unresolved negative emotions can heighten emotional sensitivity, making employees more prone to conflicts or disagreements with coworkers. They may overreact to minor issues or perceive harmless comments as personal attacks, leading to strained relationships and a negative work environment.
• Decreased Engagement and Motivation: Trapped negative emotions can dampen employees’ motivation and enthusiasm for their work. They may lose interest in their tasks, exhibit a lack of initiative, or feel detached from their job responsibilities, resulting in decreased engagement and reduced overall job satisfaction.
• Physical Symptoms: Emotional distress can also manifest as physical symptoms in the workplace. Employees may experience headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, or an increase in stress-related illnesses. These physical manifestations can further contribute to a decline in productivity and well-being.

Get your FREE Special Report: How to Build a Trauma-Informed Business

Lots of people are in fight or flight

Cutting edge brain research indicates that — due to trauma and extreme stress — a very high percentage of people are operating from the lower, survival part of their brain, rather than the higher, thinking part of their brain.

So many of the confusing and challenging behaviors that you observe are stress or trauma-impacted behaviors.

When feeling stress, much of the activation of your brain drops into a lower brain state — the survival part of your brain. This causes a fight or flight response.

So when your employees begin to avoid responsibilities or procrastinate (FLIGHT) or when your customers seem to be less patient, more combative or confrontational (FIGHT) — you’re seeing behavior impacted by stress response.

Build a Trauma-Informed Culture

It is essential for employers to create a supportive and empathetic work environment that encourages open communication and provides resources for employees to address and manage their negative emotions effectively.

When employees feel seen and heard and have a safe space to process what they’re going through, they’ll be more productive, creative, and collaborative.

Employee Well-being

Trauma-informed practices prioritize the well-being of employees who have experienced trauma. By creating a supportive and understanding environment, businesses can help individuals feel safe, validated, and valued. This can improve overall employee mental health, job satisfaction, and productivity.

Retention and Recruitment

A trauma-informed workplace is attractive to both current and potential employees. When organizations prioritize employee well-being, individuals are more likely to stay with the company long-term. It also enhances the organization’s reputation, making it a desirable place to work and attracting talented individuals.

Increased Productivity

Trauma can have a significant impact on individuals’ ability to function optimally in the workplace. By implementing trauma-informed practices, businesses can provide the necessary support and accommodations for employees to thrive. This, in turn, can enhance productivity, creativity, and innovation within the organization.

Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover

Trauma-related challenges can lead to increased absenteeism and turnover. By fostering a trauma-informed environment, businesses can reduce these issues by addressing the underlying causes and providing appropriate support. This contributes to a more stable and engaged workforce.

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

Trauma-informed practices emphasize effective communication, empathy, and compassion. These qualities facilitate better teamwork, collaboration, and conflict resolution within the organization. Improved communication leads to stronger relationships among colleagues and can positively impact the overall work environment.

Legal and Ethical Responsibility

Businesses have a responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. By being trauma-informed, organizations demonstrate their commitment to meeting this responsibility. This can help mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance with laws and regulations related to employee well-being and mental health.

Positive Organizational Culture

A trauma-informed approach fosters a positive organizational culture built on respect, empathy, and support. It promotes a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and trust among employees. A healthy work culture has numerous benefits, including increased morale, higher employee engagement, and improved overall organizational performance.

Social Impact

Taking a trauma-informed approach extends beyond the workplace and contributes to the broader social impact. By actively supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, businesses play a role in breaking the cycle of adversity and promoting healing and resilience within the community.

Overall, being trauma-informed is not only beneficial for the individuals directly affected by trauma but also for the business as a whole.

It creates a healthier, more inclusive, and supportive work environment that positively impacts employee well-being, productivity, and overall organizational success.

If you’re having trouble figuring out where to start to become more trauma-informed, let’s set up a time for me to help you get started. I provide FREE support to all businesses.

Get your FREE Special Report: How to Build a Trauma-Informed Business