8 Benefits of Being a Trauma-Informed Organization
Typically, places that provide care and support, such as healthcare organizations, are accustomed to adopting a trauma-informed ideology. And while some schools have adopted trauma-informed care, there are many that haven’t. And what about other businesses or government organizations? Typically we think that only organizations that provide direct trauma care should be trauma informed. However, any organization or business would benefit from developing a trauma-informed ideology.
Why Making Your Organization Trauma Informed is Beneficial
It’s important to recognize the benefits for an organization that strives to have its entire staff become trauma informed. There are many health benefits to becoming trauma informed that any high-performing organization should strive to achieve. This ideology throws out the old thinking that organizations should be mechanistic, with employees as just a cog in the greater organization, but rather viewing the organization as filled with humans. As with any biological organism, it’s important to understand and recognize the human deficiencies that reside in your staff who may have complex relational and emotional needs.
While it can be challenging to provide trauma-informed services to your employees, students, or clients who have significant needs, it can provide significant benefit to your organization. In short, trauma-informed practices consider what the humans in your organization need to thrive in the environment they are in. And when those in your business, school, or organization thrive, you’ll find that your organization runs more smoothly and is more effective.
The Benefits of Having a Trauma-Informed Organization
Here are some of the benefits of having a trauma-informed organization:
1 | Values Alignment
Becoming trauma-informed can help align your organization’s values. These permeating values, practices, policies, and consistent ideals provide an environment that is clear and predictable for those within your organization.
2 | Staff Support
Providing support for your staff, students, or clients offers a sense of safety and belonging. It can also improve the mental health of those in your organization, which can increase engagement and productivity.
3 | Non-Judgmental Environment
Being trauma-informed creates an environment that allows us to honestly evaluate why certain behaviors are occurring among employees, staff, or students. This creates a non-judgmental environment that is more open to helping those who need it, rather than punishing them for being dysregulated.
4 | Decentralization of Power
This allows for feedback and input to key decisions, which is very validating to staff who will be impacted by those key decisions. When staff are engaged like this, it improves ownership of the direction of the organization.
5 | Problem Solving
Organizations that embrace openness to creative ideas from staff leads to innovative problem solving and ideas that create new and exciting potential.
6 | Active Listening
Trauma-informed organizations are places where everyone feels heard. When staff feels heard, this active listening creates an environment that is very positive and more collaborative.
7 | Improved Communication Skills
Inherent in trauma-informed care is a desire to communicate in a way that there is sensitivity to trauma triggers. This kind of approach minimizes defensive conflicts, leading to a more positive environment.
8 | Values Human Process
When you allow individuals to express their emotions in healthy ways, this creates authenticity and real-world discussions that value the humans and what they do within your organization.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a trauma-informed organization benefits the entire organization. Not only does it create a healthy environment with less judgment, more support, feelings of safety, and better communication, but it can lead to an environment that is more conducive for learning, creativity, and productivity. Trauma-informed practices allow those within the organization or school to better cope with their trauma and experience more feelings of belonging. Just imagine all the valuable impacts this type of environment could offer your organization!
