Summary
From the pandemic to mass layoffs to burnout, designers have been enduring years of crisis and toxic stress. For some people, living through these kinds of events can be traumatic. Resmaa Menakem defines trauma as "anything that is too much, too soon, too fast, or for too long without being attended to by something reparative or healing." DesignOps professionals and people managers are perfectly positioned to learn about trauma and re-shape their organizations to be spaces for healing, instead of harm. In this talk, participants will understand the prevalence of toxic stress in the workplace, be able to start identifying signs of trauma within themselves, and walk away with three practical ways to create an environment of healing.
Key Insights
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Resilience comes from healing and changing workplace conditions, not just individual endurance.
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Humans are biological organisms with needs for safety, voice, and connection in the workplace.
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Stress responses can diminish cognitive function, impacting work performance.
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Toxic stress is a common workplace condition that must be addressed collectively.
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Many workplace practices inadvertently foster environments of fear, leading to trauma.
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Trauma can manifest physically and psychologically, affecting overall health and attendance.
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Each team can initiate change by addressing their own cultural dynamics rather than waiting for organization-wide reform.
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Creating clear communication about decisions enhances employee certainty and safety.
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Choice and control are essential to reduce workplace stress and empower individuals.
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Admiration amongst coworkers fosters connection and counters contempt.
Notable Quotes
"You do not have to be good."
"Our biological bodies are hardwired to prioritize survival above everything else."
"The expectations from our workplaces are biologically impossible."
"Workplace trauma occurs in the workplace and can also be healed in the workplace."
"Healing means changing the conditions, the stressors, the environment, the culture."
"Resilience comes from healing it and changing the conditions that cause it."
"Toxic stress arises when we experience high levels of stress outside our ability to tolerate on a long-term basis."
"Empower your team by asking more 'why' questions around decisions."
"You deserve to work in an environment where you feel safe with and around your coworkers."
"Admiration is the antidote for contempt."
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