“The unseen impact of psychological trauma can significantly hinder success in education, training, employment, and career paths.” This from a new white paper by InsideTrack – in partnership with Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW).
From Crisis to Resilience: Addressing Trauma and Toxic Stress in Workforce Development and Education Systems acknowledges workforce and educational programs are implementing equity-centered supports for individuals.
But the white paper states, “Yet there’s a frequently overlooked and typically underfunded area that is necessary to holistically address the heightened mental health challenges: trauma-informed, healing-centered, and resilience building support for workforce development and education participants and staff.”
It is estimated that 80% of the people who utilize workforce programs are survivors of trauma –creating obstacles to program participation, search for employment, and job retention.
A previous study, referenced in the white paper, says “Sixty-one percent of employees said their mental health affected their work productivity.” Workers noted the desire for several resources to address the issue including “mental health training to increase awareness and understanding, better information about resources to ensure easy access to support services, a more open culture about mental health at work to encourage help-seeking behavior and reduce stigma.”
The white paper offers calls to action to address the issues of trauma and toxic stress. “By adopting trauma informed, healing-centered, equity-driven, and resilience-building approaches, we can empower individuals and strengthen their ability to succeed in education, training, and employment.”
Additionally, the white paper notes the impact of trauma and toxic stress – not just on program participants and students – but also on support staff.
According to the study:
- They may carry their own personal experiences of trauma into the workplace
- They may encounter toxic work environments that drain their energy and purpose
- They may wrestle with the emotional toll of witnessing the struggles of those they serve
“This constant exposure to trauma, both directly and indirectly, can lead to compassion fatigue, moral injury and secondary trauma.”
It continues, “Staff facing burnout, moral injury and compassion fatigue are less able to provide the kind of support that fosters healing and resilience in others. Equipping staff with the tools, training and resources they need empowers them to become agents of positive change.”
The white paper concludes, “Leaders must champion a culture of empathy and mental well-being… The future success of our workforce depends on it.”
To see From Crisis to Resilience: Addressing Trauma and Toxic Stress in Workforce Development and Education Systems in greater detail, check here.
