Wellness Associates of Greater Rochester

Creating a Trauma-Informed Workplace: Where to Start?

Recognizing the signs that your workplace may not be trauma-informed is just the beginning. Taking action to transform your environment into a supportive, healthy space is the next crucial step!

Here’s how you can start:

🌟 Commit to Education and Awareness

-Ongoing Training: Implement regular training sessions that educate your team on trauma, its impacts, and the importance of a trauma-informed approach.

-Leadership Involvement: Ensure that leadership is actively involved in learning and promoting trauma-informed practices.

🌟 Build Strong Support Systems

-Develop Clear Policies: Create and communicate clear policies that address trauma-related issues. Make sure your team knows where to turn for support.

-Access to Resources: Provide access to mental health resources, such as counseling services or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

🌟 Foster Open Communication

-Encourage Dialogue: Cultivate an environment where employees feel safe to share their experiences and concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal.

-Promote Empathy: Train your team in empathetic communication and ensure that it’s a core value in your workplace culture.

🌟 Address Stress and Burnout

-Monitor Workload: Regularly assess workloads to prevent burnout and ensure a healthy work-life balance.

-Support Mental Health: Offer stress management programs and encourage the use of mental health days when needed.

🌟 Enhance Workplace Culture

-Create Psychological Safety: Foster a culture where employees feel psychologically safe, supported, and valued.

-Build Peer Support Networks: Encourage peer support groups where employees can share experiences and support one another.

By taking these steps, you can start transforming your workplace into a trauma-informed space that nurtures your team’s well-being. Ready to make a change? Contact us at Wellness Associates of Greater Rochester. Visit www.wellnessrochester.com to learn more.

Recognizing the signs that your workplace may not be trauma-informed is the first step towards creating a supportive and healthy environment for your team.

Here are some signs that your workplace might not be trauma-informed, or could use some support:

🚩 Lack of Awareness and Training

Minimal to No Training: If staff aren’t educated on trauma and its impacts, it’s a clear sign more needs to be done.

No Ongoing Education: Regular training and updates are essential to stay informed about best practices.

🚩 Inadequate Support Systems

No Clear Policies: Without clear protocols for handling trauma-related issues, staff may feel unsupported.

Limited Access to Resources: Employees might not have access to counseling or mental health resources.

🚩 Poor Communication Culture

Closed Communication Channels: If employees feel they can’t speak openly about their experiences, it’s a red flag.

Lack of Empathy: A workplace that doesn’t prioritize empathetic communication can contribute to a toxic environment.

🚩 High Stress and Burnout Rates

Frequent Turnover: High employee turnover can indicate a stressful work environment.

Widespread Burnout: If many team members are experiencing burnout, it’s a sign that the workplace isn’t addressing underlying issues.

🚩 Negative Workplace Environment

Lack of Psychological Safety: Employees should feel safe and supported, not anxious or fearful.

Absence of Peer Support: A lack of peer support networks can make it harder for employees to cope with trauma.

Identifying these signs can help you take the necessary steps to improve your workplace environment. Need help in transforming your workplace into a trauma-informed space? Contact us at Wellness Associates of Greater Rochester. Visit www.wellnessrochester.com for more info.

Is your workplace truly trauma-informed?

Implementing effective strategies can make all the difference in supporting your team’s well-being.

✅ Evaluate current practices

✅ Provide trauma trainings (Like reaching out to us here at Wellness Associates!)

✅ Foster open communication

✅ Ensure access to resources

Need guidance in area of these areas? Contact us at Wellness Associates of Greater Rochester to create a supportive work environment. Visit www.wellnessrochester.com for more info.

Understanding how trauma impacts individuals in the workplace is crucial. But what’s even more important is walking the talk—actively implementing strategies to support those who may be affected by trauma.

Ask Yourself: What are you doing in your workplace to address trauma now? Are your current practices supporting employees effectively, or is there room for improvement?

Feeling stuck or unsure if you're doing enough?

Contact us today for guidance on building a trauma-informed workplace. Visit www.wellnessrochester.com to discover how Wellness Associates of Greater Rochester can assist you in making a positive impact.

Ever wondered how trauma can impact an individual in the workplace? educating yourself is the first step. Here are some examples of how it can manifest.

-Heightened stress responses: Increased anxiety or panic attacks in certain situations.

-Difficulty with focus and concentration: Struggling to stay on task or complete assignments.

-Avoidance behaviors: Stepping back from team activities or social interactions.

-Hyper-vigilance: Being overly aware or sensitive to perceived threats.
Emotional dysregulation: Fluctuations in mood, from irritability to tearfulness.

*It's important to remember that trauma is not a one-size-fits-all experience—responses can vary widely for everyone!*

Are any of these a surprise to you? Something new to consider?

These are all topics that Wellness Associates of Greater Rochester can help your organization learn more about. Head to www.wellnessrochester.com to learn more today!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more educational information on these important conversations!

We often hear about trauma-informed workplaces, but what does it really mean for your day-to-day? Follow along as we start the conversation and join in over the next few weeks!

-Understanding trauma: How it impacts individuals in workplace settings.

-Importance of empathy and support: Creating a safe environment for all employees.

-Practical tips for integrating trauma-informed practices into daily operations.

Eager to learn more or educate your team on being trauma informed? Reach out to us today by visiting www.wellnessrochester.com.

In light of this past weekend’s events, employers must check in with their employees regarding their mental health. The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump has undoubtedly caused shock, distress, and even secondary trauma for some of your employees. You may find employees more irritable, emotional, or “checked out“ this week. ASK your employees how they are doing.

Such high-profile incidents can have far-reaching emotional impacts, even on those not directly involved or with differing political views. Leaders are responsible for creating a supportive work environment that is trauma-informed during challenging times. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Open communication channels: Encourage appropriate dialogue about the event and its impact with healthy boundaries/parameters. Seek professional
consultation if needed.

2. Offer flexibility: Understand that some employees may need time to process.

3. Provide resources: Share information about your EAP service or other resources.

4. Lead with empathy: Acknowledge the range of emotions your team may be
experiencing.

5. Promote unity: Focus on bringing your team together, regardless of political
views.

Remember, a mentally healthy workforce is more productive and resilient. By showing genuine concern for your employees well-being, you're supporting them and strengthening your organization. Let's prioritize mental health in the workplace.

Need consultation on how to have these difficult conversations?
Go to www.wellnessrochester.com or email [email protected]

Adopting a trauma-informed approach in the workplace means prioritizing empathy, support, and sensitivity to understand and address how trauma affects our team members. Let's build a healthier, more compassionate work environment together! Learn more by visiting www.wellnessrochester.com.

Are you ensuring your employees feel understood and supported to maximize their positive impact on your organization? If so, what are you doing? We want to hear how you support your employees!

Discover how Wellness Associates of Greater Rochester can empower your team with personalized support and mental health literacy training. Reach out today to foster a workplace where every employee feels valued and equipped to thrive.

Employees bring their experiences, challenges, and triumphs to work every day. As leaders, it's our responsibility to cultivate a supportive environment that acknowledges and respects their full selves.

Let's talk about it!

Unraveling corporate trauma demands more than individual healing.

It requires a collective commitment to reshaping organizational structures and fostering a culture of support and empathy. This dedication extends beyond Mental Health Awareness Month!

What are you doing as a leader to unravel corporate trauma?

How are you showing your commitment to your employees well-being? Do you foster open communication and provide resources for self-care?

What is you strategy? May is the perfect month to start thinking about one.

Learn more by visiting www.wellnessrochester.com.

Navigating Mental Health Awareness Month with intention. In the workplace, is your aim is to foster a culture of support and understanding, providing resources, open dialogue, and empathy for your team's mental well-being?

Connect with us today to learn more about mental health first aid trainings at www.wellnessrochester.com.

Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental Health Awareness Month is a few weeks away!

Have you booked a mental health awareness event for your organization? If not, what is stopping you?

Learn more by visiting www.wellnessrochester.com.

We made it! In just 3 years!

Greater Rochester Chamber is proud to announce the 2024 MWBE Award honorees! We're excited to share this inaugural list of the top 50 fastest-growing, privately-owned small MWBEs in . Join us on May 2nd to see the rankings revealed!

Learn more, see the full list, and register today: https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/2024/04/09/2024-greater-rochester-chamber-mwbe-award-honorees-revealed/

6 Things People Actually Need To Improve Their Mental Health Right Now Awareness months and platitudes about self-care only go so far. We also need these changes to make a difference.

It’s officially Mental Health Awareness Month! To celebrate, we've got an incredible deal for you! We're offering 67% off our Adult Mental Health First Aid Training on May 12 & 13. Head to our website and use code AWARENESS at checkout to claim your discount!

We know that mental health affects everyone—that's why we're offering this training. By learning how to recognize the signs of mental illness and get help for yourself or someone else, you'll be part of a movement that can make a difference in the world!

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Mental Health Awareness Month starts in just 3 days! To celebrate, we have a discount!

We're offering 67% off our Adult Mental Health First Aid Training on May 12 and 13! This means that the class costs just $59! To claim this discount, head to wellnessrochester.com and code AWARENESS at checkout.

The two-day course teaches participants how to identify a mental health problem, assess the risk of su***de or harm, listen nonjudgmentally, and offer help in a crisis or non-crisis situation. It also covers common mental health problems in adults, including depression and anxiety.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to make a difference in others’ lives. We hope to see you there!

Reach out to a therapist for extra support when you feel the symptoms creeping back in!!

Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? The stress response is a complex set of reactions in our body that help us react to threatening situations. Unfortunately, many of us do not complete the stress cycle, leading to negative mental and physical health outcomes. We’re here to break the pattern, and can help teach you simple, effect ways to complete the stress cycle. Contact us today to set up a consultation or training!

Next up is Paster Jevon Billups! Pastor Billups, affectionately known as "Pastor B," is a person with lived experience who joined the Mental Health First Aid movement in June 2018. He is an instructor, national trainer and new instructor coach for the adult, youth, and teen mental health first aid curricula. Pastor B currently volunteers as the Mental Health Coordinator for the DC Baptist Convention serving 168 member churches and approximately 80,000 parishioners. ​We love having him on our team!

Today and everyday.

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Reminder, today and everyday.

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Today, and everyday.

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Next up is Jeremy! Jeremy Streem is an award winning Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor. He has provided Veteran/Military focused MHFA training through the Ohio Army National Guard, Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System, the Ohio Su***de Prevention Foundation and Mental Health America of Ohio.  Jeremy has been a member of the Ohio Army National Guard for 25 years, including 1 deployment, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class, and is passionate about supporting other soldiers in need.

Meet our team!
Up first is our owner, Megan. Megan Clifford LCSW-R has over 20 years of experience as a social worker, psychotherapist, trainer and consultant. In addition to psychotherapy, Megan provides mental health literacy education to corporations, municipalities and non-profits. She is passionate about building on the foundation of wellness: mental health. Read more about her and our services on our website!

6 things parents should know about mental health in college After Stanford senior Katie Meyer's death by su***de, parents are asking how they can help their own children.