Research has shown that having an understanding of STS and available support from leadership can help to protect team members from experiencing negative impacts of STS.1 In contrast, unsatisfactory leadership and lack of support from supervisors and colleagues can contribute to higher levels of STS.3
Staff will take cues from leadership regarding how to understand and react to STS.
- Leaders should normalize STS reactions within the workplace.
- Leaders need to create a culture that views STS as an occupational hazard and not an individual issue or shortcoming.
Research has shown that organizations that promote trauma-informed principles, such as including staff members in decision-making processes and allowing flexibility and autonomy, can achieve lower levels of burnout and STS among staff members.4-5
Leadership is critical to success in many of the other areas within this STS Blueprint as leaders help establish and maintain the culture of the organization. These other areas of the STS Blueprint are cross-referenced throughout this section.