How trauma response training can transform workplace culture

Thankfully, workplaces today are beginning to recognise the profound impact trauma can have on employees' well-being and productivity. Now that this is more commonly recognised, more companies are also taking steps to proactively address trauma.

This article explores how trauma response training can help you create a supportive, resilient culture where your team feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive—no matter what.

TW: There are references to events that cause trauma and statistics referencing accident rates. Please take a moment to consider if this is the best time for you to read this information before you continue.

What is trauma response training?

Effective trauma response training in the workplace is essential – and it goes far beyond a quick, surface-level toolbox talk.

True trauma-informed training is delivered by experts, customised to meet the needs of your team, and makes a real impact on your workplace culture.

High-quality trauma-informed training takes the power of compassion and weaves it through your workplace to create a strong, psychologically safe environment. Your entire team learns the tools to support one another during and after traumatic events by creating:

• A shared language to discuss hugely difficult experiences and emotions
• Real understanding of the causes, signs and effects of trauma
• Actionable strategies to create a more resilient and supportive work culture

During your search for trauma training, you’ll find different types of training programmes, ranging from:

• Online courses
• Standalone workshops
• In-person sessions with a mental health expert
• Mental Health First Aid training (MHFA) courses
• Trauma Risk Management (TRIM) courses

Of these options, TRIM is by far the most comprehensive – and it’s what we recommend to workplaces wanting to be equipped to deal with potential employee trauma.

TRIM is a 2-day training programme designed to establish a peer-to-peer support system. There’s also a third day for managers to develop their abilities to lead trauma support with a wider lens.

TRIM training focuses on building empathy, understanding the psychological and physiological effects of trauma, and learning best practices for creating a safe and supportive environment.

Participants are taught how to handle situations with sensitivity, minimise re-traumatisation, and provide appropriate resources for further support.

When is trauma response training required? (with industry examples)

Trauma response training is essential in any workplace where employees are likely to encounter, witness, or experience distressing situations.

While it might seem most relevant to industries like healthcare or emergency services, the reality is that trauma can affect workers in virtually any field.

Whether triggered by a workplace incident, societal crises, or personal experiences, trauma impacts well-being and performance. If your workplace culture is infused with compassion and trained in trauma response, you’re always ready with vital support at the right time. For example…

Example: How trauma response training benefits the healthcare sector

Professionals in the NHS face emotionally charged situations every day – dealing with patient deaths, medical emergencies, or aggressive behaviour.

In such high-stakes environments, trauma response training helps staff manage their own emotional health while supporting colleagues through shared challenges.

A nurse who experiences verbal abuse during a shift, for instance, may need immediate peer support as well as a safe space to process the incident. Trauma response training makes sure these mechanisms are in place.

Example: How trauma response training benefits office-based employees

Even in office settings, trauma response training is valuable. Companies navigating collective challenges like layoffs, the sudden death of a colleague, or global crises benefit from a workforce prepared to offer mutual support.

For example, after a workplace accident, having employees trained in trauma response ensures those directly or indirectly affected receive the understanding and care they need.

Example: How trauma response training benefits the housing sector

It’s easy to overlook the staff that support service users in difficult circumstances to access housing. But they’re often faced with experiences that may be traumatising, like clients with illnesses or addiction.

Having comprehensive TRIM scaffolding in place means that everyone knows their regular exposure to traumatising situations is expected, acknowledged and planned for by the leaders of the housing association.

Example: How trauma response training benefits the construction industry

The construction sector in the UK is notably perilous, with a fatal injury rate 4.2 times higher than the average across all industries.

In the 2022-23 period, there were 45 fatal injuries to construction workers, with falls from height accounting for 51% of these fatalities. Additionally, between 2020 and 2023, there were 53,000 non-fatal injuries, 28% of which required more than seven days off work.

These incidents not only result in physical harm but can also cause significant psychological distress to the injured and their colleagues.

Implementing trauma response training can equip workers with the skills to support themselves and each other following such events, fostering a safer and more supportive work environment.

Example: How trauma response training benefits the railway industry

Railway employees are often exposed to traumatic incidents, including accidents and fatalities involving passengers or trespassers.

A survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that 41% of rail employees had experienced a traumatic event, with 74% of these incidents being work-related. 10% of all participants reported symptoms consistent with clinical post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a rate over double that found in the general population.

These statistics underscore the necessity for trauma response training to help employees manage their mental health and maintain operational safety in such a dangerous work environment.

Example: How trauma response training benefits the engineering sector

While specific statistics on trauma in the engineering sector are less readily available, the industry shares similarities with construction and railways regarding exposure to hazardous environments and high-risk activities.

Employees may witness or be involved in serious accidents, equipment failures, or other critical incidents that can lead to psychological trauma. Proactively providing trauma response training in engineering can prepare employees to handle such situations effectively and reduce the long-term impact of traumatic events.

Incorporating comprehensive trauma response training in these high-risk industries is not merely a regulatory compliance measure but a crucial investment in the well-being and productivity of the workforce.

By fostering a trauma-informed workplace, all employers can mitigate the adverse effects of traumatic incidents and support their employees' mental health.

Use Resilient People for TRiM training to improve your culture

Investing in resilience through initiatives like trauma response training is critical for ensuring that individuals and teams remain strong and effective, even in demanding circumstances.
At Resilient People, we don’t just present you with a list of courses you can buy. We want to become your long-term mental health training partner, to make sure you have exactly what you need to create a psychologically safe environment in your specific organisation.

What does this look like? Well, that depends on what you tell us, but it can include:

• Guidance on how many people should become TRIM practitioners
• A TRIM framework to scaffold support through your organisation
• Help creating policies to document your trauma response practice
• Annual refresher training
• Online and physical resources
• Consultancy for managers dealing with complex incidents

You don’t have to know exactly what you need at the start – we’ll discuss it together. Let’s talk about the best trauma response training for your people.