Building resilience at work
In the dynamic realm of today's workplaces, the need for personal resilience isn't merely a desirable attribute; it's a critical skill, particularly in the context of workplace transformation and change management programs. Resilience, at its core, refers to the ability to adapt, recover, and maintain well-being in the face of adversity or change. It’s our ability to ‘bounce back’ when times get tough and it is one of those indispensable life skills that not only enhances our wellbeing and performance but also contributes to the overall success of any change initiatives within an organisation.
Why Resilience Matters
During periods of change, whether it involves restructuring, technological advancements, or market shifts, we often encounter stress, uncertainty, and disruptions. Personal resilience becomes a crucial asset, supporting us to navigate these challenges while maintaining our productivity, mental health, and well-being. For organisations, resilient employees form a cornerstone to ensure the smooth execution of change strategies, fostering a more adaptive and healthier workforce.
What is resilience?
Resilience, in a workplace context, encompasses the ability to effectively cope with stressors, manage setbacks, and bounce back from adversity without compromising one's productivity or overall well-being. It involves cultivating a mindset that embraces change as an opportunity for growth rather than viewing it solely as a threat. In the context of change management, resilient individuals can more readily adapt to new roles, processes, or technologies, facilitating a smoother transition for themselves and their teams.
5 approaches to workplace resilience
Proactive Resilience and Wellbeing Strategies
Proactively engaging in resilience-building activities forms a robust foundation for navigating workplace challenges. Incorporating daily practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or brief relaxation exercises during breaks can significantly bolster emotional regulation and reduce stress. Regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance also play pivotal roles in fortifying personal resilience.
2. Recognize the Need for Additional Support
While proactive strategies are valuable, recognising when additional support is required is equally important. We can do this by becoming familiar with our inner landscape to recognise when feelings of frustration, overwhelm, fatigue or burnout arise. Employers can foster a supportive environment by offering a range of supporting resources and by encouraging open dialogue around seeking support to empower employees to address their needs during challenging times.
3. Mindfulness builds Resilience
Studies in workplace psychology repeatedly underscore the efficacy of mindfulness in enhancing personal resilience. Current research suggests that mindfulness practices reduce emotional exhaustion and enhance cognitive flexibility and well-being contributing to our resilience at work. Furthermore, mindfulness-based interventions are shown to be one of the best ways to improve workplace resilience.
4. Mindful leadership
Mindful leadership plays a pivotal role in nurturing workplace resilience by setting the tone for a culture of adaptability, empathy, and clarity amidst change. Leaders who practice mindfulness exhibit a heightened ability to remain present, focused, and composed during challenging situations, serving as role models for their teams. Research indicates that leaders who practice mindfulness improve the well-being and performance of their followers and create a psychologically safe environment where employees feel supported and valued. This approach not only aids in building individual resilience but also contributes to collective resilience within teams and the broader organisational structure.
5. Find a technique that is right for you
Mindfulness techniques, such as mindful breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful awareness practices, serve as potent tools for enhancing personal resilience. These practices cultivate self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to stay present amidst turbulent situations. There are many mindfulness techniques and it is worth experimenting to identify ones that work for you.
References:
Liu, J.J., Ein, N., Gervasio, J., Battaion, M., Reed, M. and Vickers, K., 2020. Comprehensive meta-analysis of resilience interventions. Clinical psychology review, 82, p.101919.
O’Connor, M., Stapleton, A., O'Reilly, G., Murphy, E., Connaughton, L., Hoctor, E. and McHugh, L., 2023. The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in promoting resilience: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science.
Zhou, Y., Wang, C. and Sin, H.P., 2023. Being “there and aware”: a meta-analysis of the literature on leader mindfulness. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 32(3), pp.299-316.