Business Community

Businesses and organizations in the local community play an influential role in providing workers with opportunities and incomes and give the public access to goods and services. Many decision-makers may be wondering, “How does trauma or resilience apply to my establishment and why does it matter to our operations?” While these organizations create the community marketplace they also interact in the public with consumers and in private with employees. Thus, advocating for a healthier workforce as well as citizens cultivates conditions where economic growth can be advanced and the community can further prosper.

Utilizing a trauma-informed lens could support a safe and respectful workplace and present an environment where consumer needs are met. Additionally, expanding one’s knowledge of trauma-informed care doesn’t cost anything other than one’s time and energy.

Elevating this type of practice is in the best interest of a community’s welfare and has benefits that far exceed the investment. For this initiative to be effective the community needs to collaborate as a collective and cooperate toward the common good.

Research-Supported Benefits of Building Resilience in Businesses and Organizations

  • Enhancements in Workforce Functioning and Productivity
  • Greater Skills in Managing Stress and Adapting to Changes
  • The Ability to Transition More Easily, Aiding Innovation and Success
  • Less Absenteeism and Tardiness of Employees
  • Elevated Employee Health and Well-being, and Reduced Healthcare Costs
  • Improvements to Workplace Environment and Culture

Please review the resources and tools for more information on being a trauma-informed business or organization and advancing resilience on a community level.

Articles, Fact Sheets, and Handbooks on Trauma-Informed Communities

“Spotlight: Building Resilient and Trauma-Informed Communities – Introduction”
By: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) staff
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Date: February 2017

“Spotlight: Building Resilient and Trauma-Informed Communities—Introduction” was developed by SAMHSA, with the mission of explaining collective approaches to addressing adversity and fostering resilience at a community level. This resource introduces SAMHSA’s 6 principles of trauma-informed care and it illustrates how these concepts can be applied to fit the needs of a region. Creating stronger and healthier communities through cooperation and collaboration leads to enhancements in productivity and happiness.    

 

 

Videos for Businesses and the Organizational Community

“Public Policies”
By: JBS International, Inc. and Georgetown University National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health
Source: JBS International
Date: 2014
Time: 19:32

The “Public Policies” video is only part of a larger trauma-informed care series created by JBS International Inc. and Georgetown University. This video focuses on the realm of policy and its influence over instituting trauma-informed care cross-sectionally around the nation. Rules and regulations affect the lives of all citizens meaning there is a need to translate trauma research into practicing guidelines and service programs. Politics can be divisive and contentious at times, but there is hope in changing society’s trajectory toward resilience and growth with the assistance of evidence-based policies.

“We Can Prevent ACEs”
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Date: April 5th, 2018
Duration: 4:32

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-P) developed the “We Can Prevent ACE’s” video in hopes of expanding population awareness and promoting prevention strategies in communities. Addressing childhood adversity is a collective effort found in building trauma-informed communities, strengthening and advancing social relationships, and empowering the formation of resilience in individuals and families. 

“Building Adult Capabilities to Improve Child Outcomes: A Theory of Change” (YouTube video)
Source: Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
Date: May 14th, 2013
Duration: (5:18)

“Building Adult Capabilities to Improve Child Outcomes: A Theory of Change” indicates the importance adult strengths and relationships in social systems can have on meeting the needs and elevating the wellness of children with a history of adversity. This video describes how adults possess the ability to provide children safety and security within their environment and interactions. Fostering these qualities into relationships can model a template for achieving resilience in children and can empower cohesion and trust in relationships. Addressing adversity isn’t limited to efforts solely focused on children, it’s part of a larger mission to improve the lives of adults so they can be of service in aiding vulnerable children.

“Trauma-Informed Care in Child-Serving Systems”
By: JBS International, Inc. and Georgetown University National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health
Source: JBS International
Date: 2014
Time: 21:25

The “Trauma-Informed Care in Child Serving Systems” video is only part of a larger trauma-informed care series created by JBS International Inc. and Georgetown University. This video explores how trauma-informed care can by adopted by organizations who commonly interact with and offer services to vulnerable children. With “real-life” examples of practice, community entities can observe and learn creative ways to adjust customer service by reflecting mindfulness and social support.

“Children, Violence, and Trauma—Community-Based Approaches” (YouTube Video)
Source: Office for Victims of Crime
Date: Feb 27, 2013
Duration: 7:09

The Office for Victims of Crimes’ “Children, Violence, and Trauma—Community-Based Approaches” video discusses some of the innovating ideas developed and advanced by communities to address childhood adversity. This video walks viewers through the framework of a trauma-informed perspective and depicts some realistic examples of how it can be adopted in regions across the country. Community awareness and involvement are at the forefront of prevention and intervention, with the skills of alliance and teamwork being imperative to successful outcomes.

“Coping with Early Adversity and Mitigating Its Effects—Core Story: Resilience” (YouTube Video)
Source: Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare
Date: March 23rd, 2015
Duration: 6:59

“Coping with Early Adversity and Mitigating Its Effects—Core Story: Resilience” is probably one of the best online videos on the topic of resilience. This video not only portrays why resilience is so incredibly important to the lives of families but also showcases how resilience can be fostered and the benefits associated with its presence.