A new white paper from Nottingham Business School (NBS), part of Nottingham Trent University, provides actionable strategies for employers seeking to recognise, understand, and respond to trauma in the workplace.
Titled Managing Trauma in the Workplace: Strategies for Wellbeing and Organisational Resilience, the report draws on survivor experiences, academic research, and evidence-based recommendations to help organisations foster psychologically safe and resilient workplaces.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) underline the scale of the issue: more than 8.5 million adults in England and Wales are survivors of childhood abuse, highlighting the widespread presence of trauma-related experiences in the UK workforce.
Understanding trauma and its impact at work
The white paper explains what trauma is and how it affects cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal functioning. Trauma is not just a personal experience—it has organisational consequences, affecting employee wellbeing, performance, disclosure decisions, and workplace relationships.
Despite growing awareness, stigma and misunderstanding remain major barriers to support. Survivors often fear judgement, re-traumatisation, or career consequences, making safe, confidential support channels critical for wellbeing and productivity.
Dr Stefanos Nachmias, lead author and Associate Professor in Leadership and Management Development at NBS, emphasises:
“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.”
Why trauma-informed workplaces are essential
The white paper responds directly to the government’s Keep Britain Working Review (2025), which highlights the importance of employer-led approaches to tackling mental ill-health and reducing economic inactivity.
It outlines common challenges for survivors in the workplace, including:
- Stereotypes and unconscious bias
- Lack of psychological safety
- Limited managerial confidence in responding to trauma
- Fear of disclosure
Failing to address these issues can lead to higher absenteeism, reduced engagement, and widening inequalities. Conversely, embedding trauma-informed practices supports resilience, inclusion, and long-term organisational performance.
Practical strategies for employers
The white paper sets out a series of practical steps for organisations looking to embed trauma awareness and support:
- Integrate trauma awareness into wellbeing strategies rather than treating it as a stand-alone initiative.
- Create confidential, survivor-led routes for disclosure and support.
- Strengthen line management skills to ensure responses are safe, consistent, and compassionate.
- Adopt a whole-organisation approach to adjustments, communication, and performance management.
- Develop supportive environments through peer networks, psychological first aiders, and quiet spaces.
A free toolkit accompanies the report, including a manager’s checklist, conversation guides, and examples of trauma-informed practice, helping organisations translate guidance into actionable steps.
The role of leadership in trauma-informed workplaces
Associate Professor Maranda Ridgway, co-author and co-chair of the Centre for People, Work and Organisational Practice, highlights the importance of listening to survivors:
“People experience trauma differently. Identity, power and context shape risk and recovery at work. If we want fair practice, we need to design support that is flexible, not one size. Psychological safety lets people speak, heal, and contribute without penalty.”
Leadership plays a critical role in setting the tone for psychological safety, fostering trust, and creating an environment where trauma-informed practices are consistently applied.
Preparing for future challenges
The white paper also looks ahead to emerging workplace challenges, including:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Rapid technological change
- Social and economic uncertainty
- Potential increases in trauma exposure across the workforce
By proactively embedding trauma-informed practices, organisations can strengthen resilience, inclusion, and long-term performance while mitigating risks associated with disengagement and absenteeism.
Access the full white paper and resources
Managing Trauma in the Workplace: Strategies for Wellbeing and Organisational Resilience is authored by Associate Professors Stefanos Nachmias and Maranda Ridgway, and Dr Louise Oldridge.
The report and accompanying toolkit are available for free at: ntu.ac.uk/research/managingtrauma
The Centre for People, Work and Organisational Practice at NBS is a research-led centre advancing organisational practice, strengthening leadership capability, and enhancing employee experience through evidence-based research and strategic collaboration across sectors.
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