Overcoming Workplace Trauma & Abuse: Pt. 2
I’m encouraged but also concerned by the depth of responses received from my recent Instagram post and blog on how to overcome workplace trauma. I offered steps to follow while in traumatic work environments, and how to rebuild your confidence and overcome workplace trauma after leaving. Direct messages, emails and text messages from friends and strangers describe an increase in workplace trauma for them or loved ones. Leaders and managers also reached out for resources, since toxic and abusive employees leave challenging situations that create a wave of fallout. The longer a toxic or abusive entity remains, the difficult to performance manage. The real victims are the employees, but I acknowledge how leaders can struggle with these situations when they don’t have a clear playbook.
Solutions and resources to overcoming workplace trauma.
I cultivated this list which aims to (1) deepen your awareness, (2) give you access to language and examples, and (3) plan your approach. Nearly every piece of research here touches on three keys: document, get support, and for affected employees…get out. One person cannot change a toxic work environment. If you’re reading this and have resources to add, please share. This is a solution-oriented discussion.
A quick personal note before getting into the more-recent reference material: In one of first digital agency jobs, I remember stocking up on business literature like: The Art of War, Bullies, Tyrants and Impossible People, Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office (still a personal favorite), and resources about overcoming bullies at work. I was preparing for war every day.
An older colleague shared insight with me that I’ll repeat for you: In your gut, you already know what to do. You don’t need permission to do it.
OK… on to the resources!
What is Workplace Abuse? A little outdated research, but gives language to frame your experience and signs you may recognize
How to Survive a Toxic Workplace: The facts and research are great; lots of good language – but the management steps include emotional regulation and through detachment and relaxation. To do both of these, you’ll need a good therapist and support system.
The Hidden Cost of Workplace Trauma: Human Nature at Work: A great resource for research and language to frame around workplace abuse and trauma; great resources for companies to take action
Workplace abuse (dignitytogether.org)
A fast read highlighting introductory concepts
No action items, but gives you language to put around your experience if you decide to formalize a complaint or reach out for help
The Six Stages of Workplace Bullying: Outlines the stages of workplace abuse and indicates that if you know the stage, you can interrupt the damage
Trauma At The Workplace, What To Do About It: Company-focused solutions, but also does a great job depicting scenarios and language.
8 Overlooked Types of Workplace Trauma: Older post, but rightfully identifies different types of workplace trauma and emotional abuse that you may be overlooking. As these escalate gradually, it’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint when it even started
Surviving Toxic Work Environment Anxiety: has some resources but offers a “kill them with kindness” approach that I feel can be harmful, especially for marginalized persons. The other guidance is ok.
11 Types of Workplace Harassment and how to stop them (2018)
This talks a lot about the different types of harassment you can experience at work
Good categories but a little outdated and actions are mostly for companies