The workplace can be likened to a mental and emotional battleground of sorts. With challenges arising from daily work task, solving issues that are often out of one’s control, deadlines, meetings after meetings, difficult work relationships and to top it off, worries brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic has gotten us all on our toes. But, are they all as bad as it seems? More often than not, many difficult situations can be addressed with the right mindset. After all, these challenges are inevitable and facing them will only make us stronger and better.
Without a doubt, one such mindset organisations should instil in their workforce is resilience. Broadly speaking, this simply means the ability to ‘bounce-back’ from difficult situations. Ultimately, this would mean building a workforce of problem-solvers that are positive thinkers and motivated. These are key attributes that would have a big impact on loyalty and the quality of work produced. To get you started, here are some simple steps that can help build resilience at the workplace.
1. Leadership by Example
Nothing speaks louder than having leaders in an organisation put into practise the right mindset, behaviour and processes to get the rest of the organisation to follow-through. Encouraging openness will ensure employees can approach leaders and challenges when needed, in the best way possible. Thus, allowing them to voice differences in opinions and provide suggestions that may well be the appropriate solution required. After all, two heads are often better than one.
Positive interactions also help build good work relationships which promote commitment to solving difficult problems in the toughest of situations. Failure is tough on all parties involved but looking at these problems in a positive light as growth opportunities give employees the space to learn from their mistakes and better themselves. The experience gained, combined with loyalty to the company certainly help with employee retention. In addition, it also helps create a positive brand image amongst candidates, partners and clients.
2. Culture. Culture. Culture.
We had to say it three times because building a solid culture within an organisation don’t just build commitment, loyalty, and trust amongst your current employees but help attract good candidates for future growth. Just the way nobody is perfect, no organisation is built perfectly either. Hence, delve deeper into the dynamics of your workforce and look for areas that need improvements. As these ‘areas’ may change from time-to-time, setting the right culture is a continuous effort that requires commitment.
To get you started, here are some common words that were identified by WeWork, to describe an organisation’s work culture:
- Friendly
- Motivating
- Nurturing
- Collaborative
- Challenging
- Engaging
Setting the right culture that reflects your company’s vision, mission and goals will help set a clear direction for employees. Thus, providing a solid foundation for employees to fall back on when necessary.
3. Engage Your Workforce
A team that plays together, work together. Consider conducting targeted training sessions based on your employee’s needs. First and foremost, this requires the need to get to know and understand them a little better. Some may benefit from developing mindfulness to help them handle stress at the workplace or home better, while others may require help with communication or engaging activities with their colleagues to build better work relationships. As mental health becomes a key topic due to anxieties and worries brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, some employees may benefit from professional psychological help or a wellness programme that guide and direct them for a more positive frame of mind.
All in all, resilience in your workforce is a key quality to instil and should not be taken for granted. Tough times are inevitable, whether at work or home. And, having the grit to withstand these storms through the right mindset and tools will pave the path to a better and stronger person as well as an organisation once the storm passes.
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