WWJD Posters and other Myths in our Workplaces

"Trauma is prevalent in our world and its effects can ripple out, shaping our interactions and relationships at home and at work"

 We interrupt this peaceful slumber with an eye opening blast from the past. That's right I was awoken with a tremble of anxiety reminiscent of a past life. In my dream I was being highly criticized for being emotional and my bosses in the dream were more concerned with the "way we have always done things" instead of what I really needed. Sweaty and awake, staring at the ceiling, I lay quietly processing those triggers. What was coming up for me was all of the things that never really sat well with me. Statements such as, "leave your baggage at the door", "don't bring your issues inside the workplace" and "I know you have had bad things happen BUT...". In a past life, as a catholic school teacher, I worked in spaces that had "What Would Jesus Do?" posters on the wall but still offered very little empathy for employees. In fact leadership was more concerned with demanding more rather than investing in their already depleted workers. The truth is that we are never able to simply leave baggage on command. We can never disconnect from our unhealed trauma wounds. Everyone has unhealed trauma wounds which, if left unprocessed can cause a ripple effect throughout our world. In the case of teachers in this province a survey has suggested that at least a third of our teachers are getting ready to leave the profession. Without getting swallowed up by the politics surrounding that survey, the answer for me is clear. If we want workers to stay in their chosen careers we have to invest in building spaces that bring out the best version of each worker.

 It's time to shine a light on why creating a trauma-informed workplace is not just important but essential for our well-being and growth. Trauma survivors often face unique challenges in the workplace, from triggers that can disrupt our productivity to a lack of understanding and support for our experiences. The reality is that our past traumas can resurface unexpectedly, affecting our ability to function effectively and thrive in our professional roles.

What my triggers were shouting loudly was that I still had unresolved issues around the institutional betrayal that I had experienced. Institutional betrayal is a concept described by psychologist Jennifer Freyd referring to "wrongdoings perpetrated by an institution upon individuals dependent on that institution". I wish that I could say that my "tough love" experience had helped me to show up to work through my trauma. It did not, actually being stuck in a situation of never being supported only exacerbated my trauma wounds. When we share feelings in an attempt to bring context to a situation and that information is used against us the results can be paralyzing. The idea that my bosses might betray my needs taught me to hide my trauma in an attempt to "fit in".

On the other side of institutional betrayal is psychological safety. Psychological safety is the sense that within a team or organization, it is acceptable for someone to admit that they made a mistake, or don’t know the answer, or are struggling. In a recent study, Google found that psychological safety, more than anything else, was critical to making a team work. And the fastest way to build psychological safety was for team members to support each other through hard times.

Trauma-informed workplaces intentionally embrace and celebrate diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences, seeking to instill a sense of belonging for all. A workplace’s policies, leadership, and team members demonstrate understanding – and work to address – how the pain and trauma of underlying inequities can contribute to the accumulation of stress and adversity. Trauma-Informed workplaces have the following foundations in common:

Shifting Attitudes about Trauma by educating to reduce the stigmas
Fostering Safety both physical and psychological
Providing Choice
Building more trust and transparency
Creating space for community and connectivity

When we consider the importance of a trauma-informed workplace for survivors, it's crucial to emphasize the transformative power of empathy, understanding, and resilience in shaping our work environments. By advocating for trauma-informed practices and creating supportive workplaces, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to a culture of compassion and inclusivity.

We are not defined by past traumas but by our strength, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges. It's time to demand workplaces that recognize and honor our experiences, provide safe spaces for healing, and empower us to reach our full potential. We should continue to raise awareness, advocate for change, and lead by example in fostering trauma-informed workplaces. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate future where every survivor feels seen, heard, and valued. I can tell you this with great certainty: if I had worked in a trauma-informed space I would have been able to show up as my best self. I would have walked through the doors each morning with all parts of me feeling safe and welcome...even my trauma "baggage". The only thing that I would have left at the door was my shame of being an unhealed person. I would have been told that I was an honored guest at that table despite any of the things that I had experienced. After all isn't that exactly What Jesus Would Do? Can I get an Amen?

Anastasia Jorquera-Boschman is a retired teacher, principal and educational consultant. She spends her second career speaking, writing and holding space a Trauma-Informed Empowerment Coach. Currently she can be found advocating for trauma-informed spaces that empower people to process their baggage.