7 Significant Reasons to Prioritise Workplace Resilience and Wellbeing

"A genius is a man who takes the lemons that fate hands him and starts a lemonade-stand with them." 

This very fitting quotation attributed to Christian anarchist writer Elbert Hubbard in 1909, sums the term resilience up in a nutshell… or should I say, a lemon peel! According to psychologists, several factors contribute to an individual's overall mental health and wellbeing. One such factor is the resilience of the individual. 

 Is resilience a skill or a quality? 

The question of whether resilience is primarily a skill or an innate quality has sparked ongoing debate among experts. While there isn't a definitive answer, the accepted notion is an amalgam of both. Resilience is a quality that can be nurtured and strengthened by the development and growth of various skills, such as… 

• Maintaining a realistic awareness of self. 

• Having the ability to talk about what we are going through. 

• Demonstrating a consistent level of self-compassion. 

• Striving to be a helpful person (but not by burning out for the sake of others). 

• Practicing a manner of acceptance of life and all it throws at us. 

• Being forgiving, particularly with valued relationships.  

• Believing that one can cope with the situation, rather than feeling overwhelmed.

 It is widely believed that resilience can be strengthened. Life will do so naturally through trials and tests. But if we want to take a direct hand in matters, there are skills we can learn and practise to build up our resilience. People with psychological resilience can use their skills and strengths to respond positively to life's challenges. 

Having the tools to connect with when inevitable plot-twists happen is essential to help us navigate challenges and change smoothly. Not only does it enable us to survive, but it can indeed enable us to thrive. 

So how do we Prioritise Workplace Resilience and Wellbeing?

Below are the 7 keys in which resilience and wellbeing contribute to creating a more cohesive, productive, and successful group dynamic, and ultimately lead to enhanced individual and team performance: 

1.       Improved team morale Resilient and mentally healthy team members are better equipped to cope with challenges and setbacks. According to a Gallup study in 2021 (USA), teams with higher levels of employee engagement experience 21% greater profitability. Resilient individuals are more likely to maintain a positive attitude and motivate others during difficult times. This fosters a supportive and encouraging environment that enhances collaboration and productivity. 

2.       Enhanced problem-solving Resilient individuals approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset and are more open to alternative approaches. In a Deloitte study from 2020 (Global), 87% of professionals said wellbeing programmes improved their ability to work effectively. In a team setting, this can lead to more creative problem-solving sessions, where team members feel empowered to contribute their ideas without fear of failure. Wellbeing also plays a role in clear thinking and decision-making, as individuals with good mental health can approach problems with a clearer perspective without ‘brain fog’ that can set in. 

3.       Increased adaptability Resilience enables individuals to embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. Teams with resilient members are better equipped to navigate change and adapt. Teams with a strong adaptability can respond effectively to external challenges and have the clarity to see and then capitalise on emerging opportunities, making them more successful in dynamic and uncertain environments. 

4.       Better communication and collaboration Individuals with good wellbeing and resilience are more likely to communicate effectively and empathize with others. They can understand and respond to the needs and emotions of their teammates, which fosters a supportive and cooperative team environment. This leads to better teamwork, reduced conflicts, and improved collaboration. 

5.       Increased productivity and efficiency Resilient and mentally healthy team members are generally more focused and productive. They can manage stress effectively, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and sustain their energy levels. This translates into higher efficiency and better performance as team members can stay focused on their tasks and meet deadlines consistently. The American Psychological Association reported in 2022 (USA) that mental health programmes in the workplace lead to improved productivity.

6.       Positive role modelling Resilient individuals inspire others through their perseverance, determination, and ability to maintain balance in challenging situations. This positive influence encourages others to develop their own resilience and prioritize their wellbeing, creating a ripple effect of positive behaviours within the team and across the organisation.

7.       Greater retention and engagement Teams that prioritize the wellbeing and resilience of their members tend to experience higher levels of employee retention and engagement. When team members feel valued, supported, and encouraged to develop their resilience, they are more likely to be committed to their work and invested in the team's success. 

Resilience and wellbeing are fundamental elements that positively impact a team's performance on multiple levels. These attributes create a supportive team culture, boost problem-solving abilities, enhance adaptability, and increase productivity and collaboration. By fostering resilience and genuinely prioritising wellbeing within the team, organisations can unlock their full potential and achieve greater success in achieving their goals and objectives.  So, embrace the power of resilience and wellbeing in your workplace and watch your team thrive.

References:

https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/cn/Documents/human-capital/deloitte-cn-hc-trend-2020-en-200519.pdf

https://www.gallup.com/workplace/388481/employee-engagement-drops-first-year-decade.aspx