Using Resilience Strategies to Cope
If you’re still in the workforce, you’ve *probably* noticed (😉) that the demands of work, deadlines, and constant connectivity on our phones, tablets and laptops can lead to stress, burnout and working beyond the regular 9-5. In fact — if you went out and asked five friends what the top three stressors are in their lives right now, “work” would probably be on their list.
Navigating these challenges requires skills and strategies that, while simple-sounding on paper, need to be developed over time.
Resilience can play an important role in helping employees tackle workplace stress, competitive job markets, conflicts, and other job-related challenges.
Have you ever forgotten to water your plants, leaving them to wilt and droop? But, by adding some water, giving them some light — all the key things they need to thrive — they bounce right back?
Resilience in life can be the same. It’s having the tools needed to exercise your ability to bounce back in the face of major challenges. It’s a quality that’s put to the test when stress factors arise in our daily lives — workplace or otherwise. And, it’s how we handle our stress that serves as a strong indicator of our resilience.
Fortunately, many of today’s employers are recognizing the need to provide services, support, and resources that address mental health and well-being, and assist with overall resilience.
Resilience in the Workplace
By investing in resilience, employers can build a workforce that is better equipped to manage work-related stress and develop protective factors against its adverse effects, and it comes with a TON of benefits:
✅Improved Job Satisfaction: Resilience is associated with greater job satisfaction, work happiness, organizational commitment, and employee engagement.
✅ Enhanced Well-Being: Building resilience contributes to improved self-esteem, a sense of control over life events, a sense of purpose, and improved interpersonal relationships among employees.
✅ Improved Productivity: Employers reap the rewards of increased productivity when their employees are equipped with resilience skills.
How Leaders Can Foster Resilience
Creating a resilient workforce and fostering a healthier workplace culture takes time and practice, but it’s oh-so-worth it!
Here are key factors that leaders should consider when fostering resilience:
1️⃣ Understand Your Employees: Resilient employees make resilient organizations. Conduct surveys or assessments to identify work-related stressors and their impact on employees. Use this data to develop a plan for building resilience and a healthier work culture.
2️⃣ Engage Leadership: Leadership buy-in is crucial for a resilient workplace. Involve managers in resilience programs, as their involvement encourages employee participation and commitment.
3️⃣ Consider Resilience Training: Explore resilience training programs that address a range of components, from interpersonal challenges to managing emotions and even improving sleep habits! Resilience training can elevate job performance and work engagement. Combining fun and play, FUNdamentals of Play offers a PLAYshop geared towards Resilience — and teams come out stronger than ever.
4️⃣ Improve the Work Environment: Consider flexibility, autonomy, rewards for good work, and access to services and supports as important elements for a healthier work environment.
By taking these steps, organizations can pave the way for a more resilient workforce that thrives amidst the challenges of the modern workplace. Commitment to resilience is an investment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.
If you’re ready to bring stronger resilience to your team, check out our Resilience PLAYshop. Learn more here.
