Staying in a Traumatic Work Environment

A traumatic work environment is one that causes psychological or emotional distress for employees. It can be caused by a single incident or develop over time due to stress and anxiety. Some common causes include: 

• Toxic workplace culture

  This can include being encouraged to work constantly, pressured to not take time off, or being expected to be a "personal brand". 

• Harassment and bullying

  This can include being yelled at, demeaned, or patronized, especially in front of others. It can also include being passed over for a promotion, having superiors minimize your concerns, or peers questioning your work ethic. 

• Microaggressions

  These are more subtle forms of racism that can have long-term effects on people of color. For example, a Latinx employee might be mistaken for custodial staff, or a Black woman might be told her hair is unprofessional. 

• Inadequate support systems

  This can include a lack of support for working parents and caregivers, or unforgiving productivity expectations.