Understanding Workplace Trauma
Work is more than just a paycheck—it’s where we spend a significant portion of our lives, build relationships, and define our sense of purpose.
Yet, for many, the workplace is also a source of harm. Toxic work environments, microaggressions, chronic stress, and structural inequities create conditions that can retraumatize employees or even generate new trauma.
Monica Amorosi is at the forefront of changing this reality. As an educator, counselor, and advocate for trauma-sensitive workplaces, she is dedicated to helping both employees and employers recognize workplace trauma and take meaningful steps toward healing and safety.
Why the Workplace Is a Unique Space for Trauma
Unlike other areas of life, the workplace holds a particular vulnerability when it comes to trauma. Most of us need to work to survive, which can make it difficult—if not impossible—to leave an unhealthy or harmful environment. Amorosi highlights several key reasons why trauma in the workplace is so complex:
- The Power Imbalance: Employees often feel trapped in harmful situations due to job dependency, making it easier for toxic dynamics to persist.
- Cultural and Systemic Issues: Rapid social and political changes have left many workers feeling unsafe, unsettled, and unsure of how to navigate conflict in professional settings.
- Stress Is Unavoidable: As Amorosi puts it, “There’s no such thing as a stress-free environment.” However, the way workplaces handle stress can either mitigate or exacerbate harm.
- The Perpetrator Exception: Many work environments are more likely to make accommodations for those causing harm rather than for those who are harmed.
Recognizing the Signs of Workplace Trauma
Amorosi encourages individuals to assess their workplace culture for signs of harm. Some key indicators include:
- A lack of accountability for harmful behaviors
- Policies that prioritize productivity over employee well-being
- A culture of fear or silence around speaking up about harm
- High turnover rates due to burnout and stress
She also introduces the Diathesis-Stress Model, a framework that helps explain why certain individuals are more vulnerable to workplace trauma. This model suggests that people with a predisposition to stress (due to personal history, mental health, or past trauma) may be disproportionately affected by workplace dynamics.
What Does It Mean to Be Trauma-Sensitive at Work?
A trauma-sensitive workplace goes beyond basic HR policies. It requires a shift in culture—one that prioritizes psychological safety, equitable treatment, and proactive measures to prevent harm. According to Amorosi, a trauma-sensitive workplace:
✔ Recognizes that each employee has a unique lived experience
✔ Calls out harm when it happens—rather than ignoring or excusing it
✔ Implements consequences for harmful behavior, ensuring accountability
✔ Balances compassion with structure, creating clear policies that support employee well-being
Employers may worry that making these changes will disrupt productivity, but research suggests the opposite. Companies with strong mental health and inclusion initiatives see higher employee retention, increased engagement, and better overall performance.
How to Take Action
Whether you’re an employee navigating workplace harm or a leader looking to build a safer culture, here are some key questions to ask:
- Am I in an environment that prioritizes psychological safety?
- Does my workplace provide clear pathways to report harm?
- Am I unintentionally contributing to a harmful culture?
- Do my colleagues and I understand the impact of trauma in the workplace?
For those in leadership, Amorosi suggests adopting a harm-reduction approach, where the goal is not perfection but progress. This includes implementing top-down policies while also empowering bottom-up change, ensuring employees have a voice in shaping a healthier work environment.
Listen to Monica Amorosi on Beyond Trauma
To dive deeper into workplace trauma, listen to my conversation with Monica Amorosi on Beyond Trauma in our episode: “Workplace Harm: Who’s Most Vulnerable and Why Rethinking Workplace Culture Matters.”
In this episode, we break down the different types of workplace stress, the pathways to becoming trauma-sensitive, and practical ways to create a safer work culture.
If you’re ready to rethink workplace culture, take action, and support trauma-sensitive change, this conversation is a must-listen.
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