Trauma-Informed HR: The Work–Life Interface and the Adverse Spillover Effects of Nonwork Anti-Black Discrimination

Abstract

This study uses a trauma-informed conservation of resources lens to investigate the potential spillover effects of nonwork anti-Black discrimination in the workplace. The research surveys 442 public sector employees and, using a partial least-squares structural equation modeling and multigroup technique, found that nonwork discrimination is associated with lower levels of workplace engagement among Black employees compared with White employees. This finding supports this study’s argument that such experiences place Black employees at a resource deficit, leaving them with fewer psychological and energetic reserves to draw upon at work. Thus, this study discusses the need for trauma-informed human resource (HR) management practices that replenish these resources and provide mechanisms for coping with discrimination-related stress.

Keywords

discrimination work–life interface spillover employee engagement trauma-informed conservation of resources

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