The Intersection of Trauma and Work: A Path to Healing and Empowerment
You can listen to this episode on the Technically Speaking website or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, it’s easy to overlook the impact of trauma on individuals and organizations. But as Vivianne Castillo, founder and CEO of HmntyCntrd, points out, trauma is a pervasive issue that affects both employees and the companies they work for. In a recent episode of the Technically Speaking Podcast, Vivianne shared her journey from counseling and human services to the world of UX design and her ultimate decision to start Humanity Centered. She also discussed the importance of addressing trauma in the workplace and the need for a more trauma-informed approach to design and organizational culture.
The Impact of Trauma on the Workforce
Vivianne highlights the fact that trauma is not limited to specific individuals or groups; it affects everyone in some way. She explains, “Everyone’s traumatized. And the way that you treat burnout is very different than the way you treat trauma.” This distinction is crucial because many companies focus on addressing burnout without recognizing the underlying trauma that may be driving it. Vivianne predicts that the current “great resignation” trend, where employees are leaving their jobs in record numbers, is a result of this failure to address trauma in the workplace. She emphasizes that companies need to take a more trauma-informed approach to support their employees’ well-being and create a healthier work environment.
The Need for Ethical Practices and Critical UX
As part of her work at HmntyCntrd, Vivianne emphasizes the importance of ethical practices in design and leadership. She challenges the notion that empathy and inclusion are enough, stating, “We just had a very different understanding of what does it actually mean to be empathic and human-centered?” She believes that the current industry focus on diversity and inclusion often falls short and fails to address the underlying systems of oppression. To address this, HmntyCntrd offers workshops and masterclasses that explore critical UX and ethical theater. Vivianne explains, “We want to move towards maturity in this topic versus trying to be relevant.” By lifting the curtain on ethical theater, they aim to foster meaningful conversations and practical applications of ethical practices in design and organizational culture.
The Role of Self-Care and Well-Being
In addition to addressing trauma and ethical practices, Vivianne emphasizes the importance of self-care and well-being. She believes that self-care is an ethical imperative and that individuals need to prioritize their own well-being in order to do their best professional work. She encourages professionals to lean into the things that unsettle them and to surround themselves with a supportive community. Vivianne states, “Get around people who are for you, who can hype you up and see you and value what you have to offer.” By prioritizing self-care and surrounding themselves with a supportive network, individuals can find the inner peace and resilience needed to navigate the challenges of the workplace.
“Get around people who are for you, who can hype you up and see you and value what you have to offer.”
Implications and Future Outlook
The intersection of trauma and work has significant implications for both individuals and organizations. As more employees recognize the impact of trauma on their well-being, they are seeking workplaces that prioritize their mental health and provide a trauma-informed environment. Companies that fail to address trauma risk losing talented employees and facing increased turnover. On the other hand, organizations that embrace a trauma-informed approach and prioritize ethical practices will attract and retain top talent. The future of work lies in creating environments that support the well-being of employees and foster a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and healing.
Conclusion
The journey from trauma to healing and empowerment is a complex one, but it is a journey that individuals and organizations must embark on to create a healthier and more sustainable work environment. Vivianne Castillo and HmntyCntrd are leading the way in advocating for a trauma-informed approach to design, leadership, and organizational culture. By addressing trauma, embracing ethical practices, and prioritizing self-care, individuals and organizations can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. The future of work lies in recognizing the impact of trauma and taking proactive steps to foster healing and empowerment for all.
You can listen to this episode on the Technically Speaking website or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts
