Marvin OnumonuA new white paper from Nottingham Business School (NBS) at Nottingham Trent University has set out practical steps for employers to deal with trauma in the workplace.
Research found that more than 8.5 million adults in England and Wales have survived childhood abuse, highlighting how common trauma is in the UK workforce.
The paper brings together findings, survivor views and evidence-based recommendations for HR professionals and managers.
It focuses on helping employers create working environments that support mental health.
Research from the Centre for People, Work and Organisational Practice looked at how trauma affects employee wellbeing, performance, disclosure and workplace relationships.
The white paper was published in response to the Government’s Keep Britain Working Review, which called for employers to lead on wellbeing and tackle mental ill-health.
It explains how trauma can change thinking, emotions and relationships at work, and notes that stigma and misunderstanding are barriers to support.
Key issues for survivors at work include stereotypes, lack of psychological safety, limited managerial confidence and fear of speaking up.
The paper lists clear actions for employers.
These include embedding trauma awareness in wellbeing strategies, setting up confidential routes for disclosure, improving line-manager skills, adopting organisation-wide approaches to adjustments, and providing peer networks, psychological first aiders and quiet spaces.
A free toolkit is available with a manager’s checklist, guides for conversations, and examples of trauma-informed practice.
Dr Stefanos Nachmias (pictured), lead author and associate professor in leadership and management development at NBS, said: “There is an urgent need for workplaces to recognise trauma as an organisational responsibility, not just a personal issue.
“Trauma affects how people think, feel and work.
“Many employees fear stigma or re‑traumatisation if they speak up.
“Employers have a critical role to play in creating safe, trusting environments where people can recover, contribute and thrive.”
