Resilience is a buzzword frequently used within workplace culture. But the current fixation on individual resilience is not only misplaced but can also be harmful.
The idea of individual resilience is superficially appealing. It’s the notion that when things go wrong, we can recover from setbacks and keep going. However, the current focus on resilience in the workplace can amount to victim-blaming. By emphasising individual resilience, organisations can deflect responsibility for toxic work cultures onto their employees. It’s like telling someone in a burning building to just get better at handling heat.
Training in resilience is often seen as a panacea for workplace stress. However, often these courses tend to have no measurable impact. For instance, the US Army invested heavily in resilience training for soldiers, yet studies showed no improvement. This highlights a key issue: resilience within the workplace is not necessarily an individual trait but a collective one.
The Changing Landscape of Work
Work has changed dramatically over the last few decades. We’re more connected than ever, but this has blurred the lines between work and personal life. The average workday has increased by over two hours, and the mental availability we give to our jobs is staggering. This constant connectivity contributes to burnout and stress, making the demand for resilience even more pronounced.
Many leaders are nostalgic yearning for a return to pre-pandemic norms in working, believing that bringing everyone back to the office will solve current issues. However, this is a misguided view. The world of work has fundamentally changed, and the old ways of working are not necessarily the best.
Emphasising Collective Resilience
Resilience should be viewed as a collective strength, not an individual trait. Teams and communities, like soldiers in combat, draw strength from each other. When separated from their peers, their well-being suffers. It is this collective resilience is what we should aim to nurture in workplaces.
Creating a sense of community and connection is crucial. Leaders should focus on building cohesion and strength within teams, allowing for flexible arrangements that preserve the benefits of modern work dynamics while engendering team spirit.
Laughter is often overlooked as a component of workplace culture. Humour can diffuse tension and create a more enjoyable work environment. A workplace where people can laugh and connect on a human level is a more resilient and productive workplace. Leaders should encourage a culture where laughter is part of the daily routine. This doesn’t mean being unprofessional; it means creating a space where employees can express themselves and find joy in their work.
Socialisation plays a significant role in building strong workplace cultures. People are more engaged and resilient when they feel connected to their colleagues. Yet, traditional after-work social events are not feasible for everyone, especially those with long commutes or caregiving responsibilities. Instead, leaders should find ways to integrate socialisation into work hours. Team lunches, fundraising events, and in-office events can build camaraderie without encroaching on personal time. The goal is to create an environment where employees feel part of a community.
The Role of Managers in Developing Resilience
Leaders and managers have a profound impact on workplace culture and resilience. Instead of focusing on building individual resilience, more emphasis should be placed on training managers to create supportive environments. Good management is linked to every aspect of organisational life, and well-trained managers can create a sense of community and purpose. Managers should be trained to recognise and address the needs of their teams, creating a culture where employees feel supported and valued. This goes beyond mere resilience training; it’s about cultivating an environment where resilience flourishes naturally.
So, the traditional view of resilience is not about toughening up individuals but about creating a supportive, connected work environment. Resilience is a collective strength, drawn from the community, and it thrives in cultures where people feel valued and connected leading to healthier, more resilient work environments for everyone.
