When we think about trauma, we often picture it as something that stays at home when we clock in for work. But for many of us, trauma isn’t just a personal issue — it’s a silent companion that follows us into the office, the shop floor, or wherever our work takes us.

As someone who’s walked this path, I’ve learned that managing trauma in the workplace is a complex, often invisible challenge. It’s a daily balancing act of professionalism and personal healing, of meeting deadlines while honoring our own needs and boundaries.

Many don’t realize that trauma survivors bring unique strengths to the table. Our experiences have often made us more resilient, empathetic, and adaptable. Yet, navigating the professional world with trauma can feel like speaking a language that others don’t understand.

That’s why I’m sharing these ten insights. They’re drawn from my own journey and the stories of countless others who’ve found ways to thrive professionally while healing personally. Whether you’re a trauma survivor, colleague, or manager, these points shed light on an experience that’s more common than you might think.

So, let’s pull back the curtain on what it really means to manage trauma at work. You might be surprised by what you discover.

1. It’s not always visible. Trauma doesn’t always manifest in obvious ways. We might look perfectly “put together” on the outside while struggling internally. Our colleagues may never guess the battles we’re fighting.
2. Productivity can fluctuate. Some days, we’re super productive; other days, just showing up is a win. Both are valid and important. Our output isn’t a constant, and that’s okay.
3. Triggers can be unpredictable. A seemingly innocuous comment or situation can sometimes set off a cascade of emotions or memories. What bothers us one day might not affect us the next, making it challenging to prepare.
4. We’re often hyperaware of our surroundings. This heightened awareness can be exhausting but can also make us incredibly perceptive and empathetic colleagues. We often pick up on subtleties others might miss.
5. Flexibility is crucial. Having some control over our work environment or schedule can make a world of difference in managing our well-being. A little flexibility goes a long way in helping us navigate tough days.
6. We’re not “broken”. Trauma doesn’t define us. In fact, our experiences often give us unique strengths and perspectives that can be valuable in the workplace. We’re survivors, not victims.
7. Self-care isn’t selfish. Taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for our ability to function and contribute at work. Sometimes, self-care means saying no or taking a mental health day.
8. Boundaries are our superpower. Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries at work is challenging but incredibly empowering. It’s a skill we develop over time that benefits all aspects of our lives.
9. Disclosure is a personal choice. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sharing our experiences with colleagues or supervisors. The decision to disclose is deeply personal and depends on many factors.
10. Growth is non-linear. Healing and professional growth don’t follow a straight line. Progress often looks like two steps forward and one step back. Every day is different, and that’s part of the journey.

Remember, managing trauma at work is a journey, not a destination. Each of us has our own unique path. By sharing our experiences and insights, we help ourselves and contribute to creating more trauma-informed workplaces for everyone.

Questions for Self-Reflection/Journaling:

• Reflecting on your work experiences, when have you felt most resilient and capable in managing your trauma? What factors or support systems contributed to this?
• Think of a time when you successfully navigated a challenging situation at work related to your trauma. What strengths or strategies did you use that you’d like to build upon?
• Imagine a future where you feel fully supported and empowered in your workplace. What does this look like, and what small steps can you take towards creating this reality?

An Invitation

If you’d like to join an online community of other resilient overcomers focusing on their careers, I invite you to join The Resilient Career Academy™ Community. (RCA Community)

The RCA Community is a group dedicated to helping/supporting those working to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential in their careers.

The benefits to you are:

Community — The community provides support, encouragement, the ability to share frustrations, and get feedback from people who understand the struggle
Workplace/Career Resources — The group provides tools, resources, and templates to help you with your career journey
Available Coaching Support — The community is supported by trained and certified coaches who are available for individual sessions
Learning — You will have access to various trauma/workplace-related online courses developed by our coaches to help you in your journey
Workshops/Webinars — You will have access to practical workshops/webinars targeted to help you in the workplace grow your career
If you are interested in joining us, click here: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/community

As always, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Contact me to schedule your free discovery call.

Trigger Tracker Template — Take note and plan the coping strategies you will use to navigate the experience.

Get on the waiting list for The Resilient Career Academy™. You won’t want to miss it.

If you want to stay informed on the programs, tools, and training I offer, sign up for my mailing list.

You can also visit my website for more information on courses and other freebies I offer at: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

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Cyndi Bennett

Believer. Leader. Learner. Advocate. Writer. Speaker. Coach. Mentor. Triathlete. Encourager. Survivor.
 
Most of all, I am a fellow traveler on the rocky road called, Trauma Recovery. My mission is to minimize the effects of trauma for survivors in the workplace.