We have become very accustomed to the trauma-informed idealogy among organizations, particularly those that provide care and support. Typically, we identify the needs of clients when we talk about training staff to deal with trauma impacted individuals. Therefore we emphasize ways to become trained and effective in helping those clients.
However, it is important to recognize that an organization that strives to have its whole staff become trauma-informed has many health benefits that should be a part of any high-performing organization. In the Creating PRESENCE organizational model of trauma-informed and trauma-responsive concepts one of our significant themes is that organizations are really biocracies. That simply means that we are not creating practices that are mechanistic like we are machines but rather we consider that organizations are filled with humans. Like any biological organism we recognize and understand the human deficiencies that reside in our staff who may have complex relational and emotional needs.
It is important to note that trauma-informed practices consider what humans need to thrive in the environment in which they work. It is challenging to provide services to clients who have significant needs but it is more difficult to do it in an organization that is not congruent with that mission in its own values.
So what are some of those positive benefits of trauma-informed organizations?
- Values alignment – When organizations have permeating values, practices, policies and consistent ideals it provides an environment that is clear and predictable.
- Staff support – When organizations are committed to provide the same care for their staff as they do their clients there is sense of safety and congruence in philosophy.
- Non-judgement – The idea of “What happened to you?” verses “What’s wrong with you?” allows us to honestly evaluate why certain behaviors are occurring among our staff members. It is helpful to understand the depth of those behaviors from a trauma-informed perspective.
- Power decentralization – Allowing feedback and input to key decisions can be very validating to staff who will have impact in key decisions. This helps with ownership of the direction of the organization.
- Solutions-based and creative problem solving – As organizations embrace an openness to creative ideas from staff, those innovations create new and exciting potential.
- Active listening posture – What can happen in an organization when everyone feels heard? It is extremely positive for staff to be in a work environment like that.
- Communication skills – Inherent in trauma-informed care is a desire to communicate in such a way that there is sensitivity to trauma-triggers. This kind of approach minimizes defensive conflicts.
- Values human processes – Allowing individuals to express their emotions in healthy ways creates authenticity and real-world discussions.
These are just a few of the healthy benefits of creating trauma-informed and trauma-responsive organizations. These benefits far surpass trauma expertise. It moves our organizations to places where staff members can enjoy their workplace and relationships. They can better cope with secondary trauma from clients and avoid burn-out. They feel like they belong to a consistently caring organization where leaders are trustworthy in how they manage the complexities of their organizational challenges. Imagine the impact in so many valuable missions and organizations if everyone could offer this kind of environment!
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
