Workplace bullying is no longer just a “people problem”—it’s a measurable business risk that drains the bottom line. Toxic cultures fuel disengagement, turnover, sick leave, and lawsuits, costing companies millions in lost talent and reputational damage. Even a single harassment case can send stock prices tumbling and trigger shareholder suits.
With nearly 50 million U.S. workers affected, the stakes are high. The toll on employee health is undeniable, and juries are responding with record awards. Social media has only amplified the danger, with viral stories damaging brands overnight.
The solution is clear: investing in psychological safety is both a moral and financial imperative. Healthy, respected employees fuel innovation, retention, and long-term profitability—while silence in the face of abuse remains the costliest risk of all.
The Workplace Psychological Safety Act doesn’t just protect employees — it protects employers who already value integrity. It rewards prevention, reduces liability, and strengthens the trust that fuels long-term success.
Economic & Productivity Benefits
Reduce costly turnover and burnout.
Workplace abuse is one of the biggest drivers of attrition. The MIT Sloan study on the “Great Resignation” found toxic culture was 10x more predictive of turnover than pay. Replacing one employee can cost 1.5–2x their annual salary — so prevention is profit.
Boost morale, productivity, and engagement.
Psychologically safe teams are up to 50% more productive and more likely to innovate. When employees feel respected, absenteeism drops and accountability rises.
Lower absenteeism and presenteeism.
Chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma from toxic environments lead to absenteeism and health costs. A healthy environment keeps people at work — and working well.
Legal & Risk Reduction
Reduce legal exposure and insurance premiums.
Toxic workplaces are lawsuits waiting to happen. The WPSA helps standardize prevention and early intervention practices, reducing liability under federal and state laws — and keeping EPLI premiums lower.
Encourage internal resolution before litigation.
The law’s structure promotes internal reporting, documentation, and early corrective action. That means fewer external filings and less reputational damage.
Provide clarity for HR and management.
Without clear legal definitions, managers fear acting on complaints. The WPSA gives structure and a “reasonable person” standard — protecting both the target and the employer when acting in good faith.
Talent & Recruitment Advantages
Attract high-performing, purpose-driven talent.
Workers today — especially Gen Z and Millennials — want to work for companies that align with their values. Public support for psychological safety signals leadership, integrity, and social responsibility.
Prevent hiring trauma-burdened employees.
When employees carry unresolved trauma from abusive past workplaces, their performance and trust take time to rebuild. Widespread adoption of the WPSA raises the floor for healthy work everywhere — reducing the ripple effects of others’ toxic cultures.
Retain institutional knowledge.
Bullying and psychological harm drive away experienced employees, often the most conscientious ones. Retaining them protects productivity, reputation, and client relationships.
Cultural & Brand Strength
Strengthen trust and reputation.
Companies that support workplace safety are seen as employers of choice — not just by jobseekers, but by customers, investors, and insurers.
Demonstrate ESG commitment.
Investors are increasingly assessing workplace culture as part of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. Supporting WPSA aligns with the “S” — social responsibility — and proves measurable action, not just lip service.
Lead the market, not follow it.
Like harassment laws decades ago, psychological safety standards are inevitable. Early adopters will shape the narrative and influence the regulations — instead of reacting to them.
Moral & Societal Imperative
Protect people, not just profits.
Work should never destroy a person’s mental or physical health. Employers who support WPSA stand for dignity, fairness, and the basic human right to a safe workplace.
Level the playing field.
Ethical employers shouldn’t have to compete with toxic ones who cut corners at employees’ expense. The law rewards those who already do the right thing — and raises the bar for everyone else.
Foster shared accountability.
This isn’t “anti-business” — it’s pro-accountability. When everyone plays by fair rules, we all win: workers, managers, and industries alike.
SPONSORED RESOURCES

The Wounded Workforce® – Trauma-Informed Solutions for Safer, Healthier Workplaces
The Wounded Workforce®, founded by Stephanie Lemek, MBA, SPHR, CTSS, TIWP, helps organizations prevent and repair workplace harm through trauma-informed leadership, culture, and system design.
Our programs—including the Trauma-Informed Workplace Certification Series and Building Resilience Construction Mental Health Certification—equip leaders and teams with the tools to strengthen trust, reduce burnout, and address psychological safety at its roots.
We also provide keynotes, workshops, and consulting services on topics like institutional betrayal, secondary trauma, and mental health in high-stress industries. Each engagement blends evidence-based frameworks with practical, field-tested strategies that drive real change.
Through education, storytelling, and strategy, The Wounded Workforce® builds workplaces where people can thrive—not just survive.
“Taking the Certified Trauma-Informed Workplace Practitioner course with Stephanie, the CEO and Founder of The Wounded Workforce, was transformative. As a Black senior executive who’s experienced trauma in the workplace, I was hoping for tools to help my team and myself — and this course delivered. Even in an online setting, Stephanie created a safe, welcoming space to tackle tough issues like race, privilege, and trauma in the workplace. Her insights were validating and practical, giving me strategies I could immediately implement to foster a more supportive and resilient culture. This course isn’t just training; it’s an eye-opener for anyone looking to lead with empathy and make meaningful change. Highly recommend!”
— Jessica D. Winder, Chief People Officer, Author, & Coach
“In an increasingly turbulent, complex world where the lines between work and home are blurred, building a trauma-informed workplace is more important than ever. Stephanie excels at making difficult topics relatable, providing space for processing and reflection alongside real-world examples and insights. But beyond that, this illuminating, must-take course gives practical guidance on how to start building a trauma informed culture and how it benefits everyone — not only employees who self-identify as having experienced trauma.“
— Valerie Mertsock, People Operations Generalist
“The TIWP certificate program was everything I thought it would be. It provided me with the tools and resources needed to be able to recognize trauma, how it can show up, and its role in the workplace. As a change management and team dynamics consultant, I focus on the people and how to support them through change. This will help me consider how things like power impact decision-making and psychological safety and in turn the success of organizations. I will continue to study up on trauma and so fortunate The Wounded Workforce and Stephanie
pulled together this important course!”
— Kristen Scott, Founder & CEO
“The Trauma Informed Workplace Advocacy Certification course through The Wounded Workforce provided me with the knowledge and tools to better support staff impacted by workplace violence. The training deepened my understanding of the effects of trauma, improved my ability to respond with empathy and professionalism, and provided practical strategies for advocacy within my hospital setting. I now feel better equipped to create a safer, more supportive environment for our organization. I highly recommend this course to anyone working in healthcare, leadership, or advocacy.”
— Catherine Potter
“I truly enjoyed the content. I am a corporate investigator (mostly employee relations issues), and trauma-informed tools are something that I wanted to add to my toolbox or suitcase. I have been searching for the appropriate content and I could not find the right one until I discovered the Wounded Workforce. The course has been a real eye-opener for me, and I am excited to use the tools going forward.”
— Leshya Sukhu, Business Integrity and Compliance Leader
LINKEDIN POSTS
Workplace Psychological Abuse Test: Know the Signs
Calculating the Cost of Workplace Psychological Abuse
Guide To Improving Psychological Safety for Victims, Abusers, and Companies
AI-Enabled Workplace Psychological Abuse Software
The Relationship Between Integrity and Psychological Safety
consulting list packages
Get listed on this page under Sponsored Resources with one of the following packages.
| Feature | Founding Consultant $199/year | Featured Consultant $499/year | Premium Consultant $999/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directory Listing | Standard profile listing | Top-tier placement | Top-tier placement |
| Logo | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Testimonials | – | 1 testimonial | 5 testimonials or case studies |
| Social Media Spotlights (60k+ followers on LinkedIn, 20k+ followers on Facebook) | – | 1 annual spotlight | Quarterly mentions + spotlight interview |
| Email Visibility | – | – | Logo in monthly Legislative Lowdown emails, listed as “Business Toolkit Sponsor” |
| Content Publishing | – | – | 1–2 co-branded blog posts or resources |
| Recognition | – | – | Badge for website/LinkedIn |


