The consequences of workplace stress are so serious and pervasive that the World Health Organisation has called stress the health epidemic of the 21st century. Workplace stress results in millions of lost work days each year and seriously impacts the health of employees and the organisation. So, how can we improve employee resilience in the workplace?
Workplace stress can be lessened through reduced workloads, flexible working hours, or cultural changes that support improved work-life balance. Employers can also help employees learn to manage their levels of stress through resilience awareness and training. Higher levels of resiliency allow employees to better handle adversity and remain positive during difficult circumstances.
4 Key Characteristics of Resilience
1. They have strong relationships
Quality relationships and connections provide employees with a support network that they can rely on during difficult times. They are better able to maintain a positive outlook. Developing strong relationships requires supportive communication, effective listening skills, building trust, and having fun.
2. They avoid burnout
When employees are burnt out they are unenthusiastic about work, and productivity and engagement suffer. Resilient employees know the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and their personal life. They know that they can only perform their best at work if they have time to recharge each day.
3. They pursue big goals and stay inspired
Resilient employees have the passion and grit to go after long-term goals. Lofty goals are difficult to achieve, and resilient employees work through and around obstacles to meet those goals.
4. They are adaptable
Resilient employees see a challenge and figure out how they can control or influence it. They don’t possess a victim mentality or feel helpless to enact change. Employees with resilience in the workplace acknowledge their thoughts, emotions, and reactions when they’re under stress and they use them to drive purposeful action. With resilience at work, employees can better anticipate and manage risk, deal with setbacks, and stay engaged during challenging times.
How Can Employers Help Employees Improve Their Resilience in the Workplace
As an employer, you can help employees improve their resilience at work by promoting physical wellbeing, creating a healthy psychological environment, providing access to physical and mental health resources, and encouraging strong social networks. Making resilience an organisational priority and taking steps to cultivate it helps employees take control of their emotions and mental wellbeing and makes them more likely to be adaptable during times of crisis or change. Zevo Health has a range of workplace wellbeing trainings, including developing resilience, equipped to make your employees more resilient.
*This is not medical advice, please contact a medical professional if you think you need to seek further help.
