About the Work Wound Institute™
The Work Wound Institute is an innovative research and development branch of Executive Unschool dedicated to rigorous research, study, and insights into the most prevalent work wounds afflicting modern workplaces: betrayal, bullying, and bad behavior.
Our mission is to transform workplaces by addressing the root causes of harm, fostering environments where employees thrive and organizations succeed. In service of this mission, we conduct independent studies on workplace culture and deliver data-driven insights to our clients so that they can be the change.
What are work wounds?
Most of us carry scars from the workplace that no one ever names. At Executive Unschool, we call them Work Wounds™—the invisible injuries that shape how we show up, lead, and live long after the workday ends.
These wounds aren’t just about a bad meeting or a tough quarter. They’re deeper, lingering experiences that cut into our mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing. And because they’re rarely acknowledged—or worse, normalized—they often go untreated.
Through our groundbreaking research, we’ve identified the 4 most common B’s of Work Wounds™:
Bullying: Harassment, intimidation, or power plays that chip away at self-worth and safety.
Betrayal: The sting of broken trust—by a leader, a colleague, or an organization that didn’t have your back.
Burnout: The slow erosion of energy and joy, when constant demands outpace any chance to recover.
Bad Behavior: Toxic patterns—from gossip to micromanagement—that create environments where people shrink instead of thrive.
Each of these can leave lasting imprints: anxiety that shows up as sleepless nights, stress that knots in the stomach, resentment that quietly drains relationships and creativity. Work wounds live in the body as much as the mind.
The truth is simple: Work is a human experience. When the human part is ignored, pain compounds in silence. Naming these wounds is the first step to transforming them—and to building workplaces where people can actually recover, grow, and thrive.
We REsearch THe roots of dysfunction:
01
Understanding and Addressing Root Causes: We study the underlying issues that give rise to work wounds, going beyond surface-level symptoms to identify and address the core problems.
02
Promoting Healthy Work Environments: By researching and delivering insights on effective strategies, we aim to create workplaces that are not only free from harm but also conducive to the greatest growth, collaboration, and innovation.
03
Fostering Long-Term Change: We believe in sustainable solutions that prevent recurring issues, ensuring lasting positive impact rather than temporary fixes.
how the institute’s insights drive change
Actionable insights
We conduct extensive research to uncover the nuances of workplace wounds, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Our studies provide actionable insights that organizations can apply to mitigate harm and promote employee wellbeing.
Education and Training
Executive Unschool uses the insights to create innovative and experiential programs for its clients. With workshops, seminars, and online courses, we educate leaders and employees to recognize, address, and prevent common work wounds using new approaches.
Policy Development
We assist organizations in crafting and implementing policies that promote fairness, respect, and accountability. Our experts work closely with HR departments and leadership teams to ensure these policies are practical and effective. We also advocate for legislative policies that support employee wellbeing.
Partner with
work wound institute
If you are an organization committed to fostering a healthy and harmonious workplace, we invite you to partner with the Work Wound Institute. Together, we can break the cycle of harm and build a foundation for lasting positive change.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs, research, and how we can collaborate to create safer, more supportive work environments. Let's make workplaces work for all.