8 Easy Steps to Resilience Training in the Workplace

Resilience is quite the buzzword. The importance of being resilient is well-known in schools, healthcare, and corporate institutions. 

And it's an unsurprising choice of word as organizations have dug deep to overcome the challenges of the pandemic, rising inflation, the Great Resignation, and the war in Ukraine.

On an individual level, employees have been struggling in response to global events and day-to-day challenges at work. Perhaps arguing with a coworker, feeling neglected by their manager, being passed over for a promotion, or the intense fear that comes with a business restructure and organizational change.

Resilient people can surely pick themselves up and forge ahead with their careers. But where does that leave the less resilient employees?

First up, this guide busts a few myths about the concept of resilience. 

But it'll also show how resilient organizations can support employees in focusing on the positives that come with adversity rather than just the negatives. This type of training encourages people to see difficult situations as learning opportunities and find ways of adapting to change without giving up. 

🤠 What is resilience?

Let's go back to basics with a resilience definition.

You might be surprised to find the roots of resilience in material science. When a substance undergoes severe stress and springs back unscathed to its original form, it is "resilient."

Note: There's a tricky cultural message here because employees shouldn't push themselves to their maximum limit under the misconception they'll bounce back with resilience.

The danger with going on a quest to be resilient is that people become bent out of shape physically and mentally as they progress beyond the point of no return.

The focus of resilience training shouldn't be on continuously pushing; instead, it's about learning techniques to handle stressful situations in our everyday working lives. And contrary to belief, absolutely anyone can learn how to become more resilient – it's a discipline rather than a personality trait. 

🙆‍♂️ What factors shape a person's resilience?

None of us are born resilient and ready to face anything the world throws at us. 

We must all learn different tips and tricks to handle stress in our personal and professional lives. 

But what factors have built our current state of resilience? 

Of course, this differs from person to person, but we have gathered some key factors.

Previous life experience

The ability to be resilient begins as early as childhood. 

A report from the National Council on the Developing Child focuses on why some children overcome childhood trauma while others bear lifelong scars and struggle to thrive as adults. The deciding factor here is that every child who reaches their full potential has a close, committed relationship with at least one supporting adult. 

Many adults have undergone tremendous strain as children, perhaps through bereavement, divorcing parents, or abuse. And depending on the support received, these past life experiences may all shape our current resilience. 

Self-care 

Burning the candle at both ends doesn't make you resilient – quite the opposite.

If people don't look after themselves, they can become drained and exhausted, which increases the risk of mental health problems. This is why self-care should be a central focus of any resilience program.

Self-care involves practicing healthy habits such as exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation. These are all essential for maintaining physical and mental health, thus improving resilience.

A psychiatry study of 117 German university students aged 18 to 27 found that those who engaged in higher levels of self-care exhibited better resilience and had lower stress levels.

General life situation 

From relationship breakdowns to health issues to financial instability – sometimes life gives us lemons. And it can be challenging to find the mental resilience to make lemonade every time! 

It's crucial to remember that a person's unique circumstances can play a huge role in their ability to cope. Even if it is possible to build the skills to handle any situation life throws at us. 

Resources

Access to appropriate resources and support also significantly impacts how someone manages a tough situation. 

But the right resources don't always need to cost money. Instead, they could be a listening ear, guidance from a mentor or coach, access to a webinar, or even taking time to rest and recover.

Sometimes people can't access the resources they need if they feel overwhelmed, ashamed, or unaware of where to find help. 

So, providing employees access to resilience training through work can significantly impact their outlook when they're feeling overwhelmed by life's events. 

🧘 The 5 pillars of resilience

When putting together a resilience program for your workforce, keep these five pillars as a core focus.

1. Self awareness: everyone has different triggers. Employees must understand how they might react to a situation to get ahead of any potential stressors and put a coping mechanism in place. 
2. Mindfulness: this involves being conscious of your thoughts and feelings. People can better handle external events through mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques.
3. Self Care: when life gets tough, we tend to neglect our bodies and mind. But self-care (including healthy habits such as exercising regularly, eating nutrient-rich food, and getting enough sleep) is key to maintaining physical and mental health.
4. Positive relationships: having a solid network of supportive people, both at work and in our personal lives, is essential. They can provide sound advice and also be someone to talk to. 
5. Purpose: having a sense of purpose gives people direction and motivation. It could be anything from pursuing a hobby or career ambition to wanting to make the world a better place. Whatever it is, having a purpose will help employees stay on track and remain resilient during challenging times.

"Through resilience training, employees can learn how to better cope with stress, manage their emotions, and set boundaries. As a result, they will be better equipped to handle challenges both at work and at home.

In addition, they will be more productive and engaged in their work. Ultimately, offering resilience training is a win-win for employers and employees alike." Karolina Kijowska, Head of People at PhotoAiD.

💡 4 Ways to incorporate personal resilience in the workplace  

Let's take a look at workplace resilience in action. 

Positivity

Encouraging positive thinking through activities such as gratitude journals or gratitude circles can foster a positive work environment and turn negative experiences on their head. 

"Resilience is a key ingredient for success. Resilient individuals are more likely to achieve their goals despite setbacks and challenges. They view failure as a learning opportunity and have the strength to pick themselves up after a fall." - Nuria Requena, Talent Acquisition Manager at Spacelift. 

Emotional insight

Employees with a high EQ score understand how their negative and positive emotions and those of others can affect their resilience. Increase awareness through activities like self-reflection and peer feedback. 

Flexibility

Work can often be unpredictable, so it's essential to have an agile mindset that can adapt to change quickly. Encourage employees to think on their feet and be creative in problem-solving.

Reflection

Asking employees to stop and reflect on their feelings is an important part of resilience building. You can do this through journaling, group conversations, or even a five-minute break from the screen.

👩‍🏫 What is resilience training?

Resilience training is a form of professional development that teaches employees the skills needed to cope with stressful or difficult situations. It can help in developing coping mechanisms, understanding one's triggers, and learning how to manage time better.

This type of employee training often includes various activities such as mindfulness exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy, goal setting, and problem-solving. These activities help people manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve psychological resilience. 

The impact of resilience training is that it helps employees develop the skills to be successful in any situation. It also enables employers to create a workplace culture of acceptance and understanding, leading to increased morale and productivity.

👀 A deep dive into why we need resilience training in today's workplace

The working world has changed immeasurably over the past two or three years, with plenty of transformation still to come as businesses adapt to Industry 4.0 amidst global events.

Here are some reasons that companies must prioritize resilience training. 

The stress of adjusting to remote or hybrid work

Although many employees have fought for their right to remain working from home, this style of work undoubtedly blurs the lines between our personal and professional lives. 

While remote and hybrid work provides a heap of benefits, from flexible childcare to increased productivity, 53% of the remote workforce now work more hours than they did in the office. And 31% report working "much more," according to Indeed. 

Working from home can also be lonely for some employees. The Atlantic highlights that loneliness levels increase by 67% when moving from full-time office-based to full-time home-based work. 

➡️ Check out these top hybrid and remote work trends to learn more. 

Rising mental health issues cost businesses 

According to a Deloitte report focusing on young employees, key workers, people with caring responsibilities, and ethnic minorities, the business cost of mental health has risen by 25% since 2019. 

The report covers the stressors these employees endured throughout the pandemic and the financial impact on businesses, including:

• absenteeism, 
• presenteeism (attending work but not operating at full capacity),
• labor turnover.

Enhancing employee satisfaction

Employees with the tools to stay mentally healthy are more likely to be satisfied in the workplace. Having the skills to manage a range of emotions and situations empowers employees, meaning they feel more in control and less overwhelmed by their tasks. This level of employee well-being allows them to think on their feet, be creative in problem-solving and manage stress levels more effectively.

Ultimately, resilience training can enhance employee satisfaction and engagement in the workplace. 

➡️ Check out these top 13 drivers of employee engagement. 

Encouraging an open dialogue on mental health 

The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 8 people currently live with a mental health disorder, and anxiety and depression are the most common. 

But it's not weak to speak, and there's no need for your employees to suffer in silence. Resilience training breaks down stigmas surrounding mental health issues in the workplace, allowing everyone to openly discuss issues they're dealing with.

Enabling smooth organizational changes 

Building resilience in a volatile business climate ensures employees stay adaptable and proactive regarding any organizational change. Plus, it provides stability for people to remain focused, despite the changing environment.

Encouraging employees to hone their skills for resilience also creates a mindset of self-sufficiency. So, employees can better handle the complexities of change rather than relying on external assistance.

"Today, managers and employees are faced with constant change and increasing complexity. This can take a toll both mentally and physically, making it challenging to respond resiliently to change and adversity.

It is crucial for not only managers but all employees to actively practice resilient behaviors through support from the organization." - Christine McKay of McLean & Co.

🪜 8 Steps to coach employees into improving resilience

Improving resilience isn't a one-off strategy but an ongoing process. Therefore, businesses must provide employees with the necessary tools to develop their strengths over time. 

Follow these eight steps to success. 

Step 1: Seek leadership buy-in 

Managers need to understand the value of resilience training. Furthermore, they need to take ownership of the process to promote an open and trusting work environment where employees feel free to share their struggles and concerns. 

Step 2: Incorporate resilience into daily activities 

Resilience isn't a quality that you should save for big occasions. So practice it daily in the small decisions you make and activities you participate in. 

Practicing resilience might include taking regular breaks, practicing positive self-talk, and setting clear goals like not getting upset if you're interrupted in a meeting. 

Step 3: Include resilience training in your company policy 

Add a section on resilience training to your company policy to ensure everyone understands its importance. 

Signpost resources so your employees know exactly where they can turn to for extra help and support if they need it. This could be an internal employee assistance program, online resources, or even external mental health services. 

Step 4: Incorporate mindfulness training 

Mindfulness is the practice of being in tune with our body, emotions, and environment. The focus is on living in the moment and being intentional. Research from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland found that mindfulness-based practice leads to increased levels of resilience. 

And Jennifer Hartman of Fit Small Business agrees:

"Mindfulness training helps individuals to focus on the present moment and become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. This can be beneficial in times of stress, as it can help to prevent rumination about past events or worry about future ones."

Step 5: Ensure your approach to resilience goes beyond productivity 

Your employees must understand why you want to improve resilience. And the reason shouldn't be to get more out of them. Productivity should be a by-product of a resilient workforce, not the focus. Your employees need to know that your approach is more concerned with the overall well-being than work output. 

Step 6: Invest in a wellness program 

One of the best and most holistic ways to boost resilience is implementing a wellness program for your employees. Access to resources that promote their physical, mental, and emotional well-being can help them manage stress and anxiety more effectively. This could include gym memberships, health and safety initiatives, or even regular team activities that motivate them towards living a balanced life. 

Step 7: Involve a resilience expert  

It might be worth investing in an external expert to come in and deliver resilience training. 

External experts can: 

• Offer tailored advice and support to employees. 
• Show managers how to identify potential issues that might be holding their team back from their full potential. 

Step 8: Offer self-paced resilience courses 

Self-paced resilience training allows employees to learn at their own pace. These courses help employees become more aware of potential stressors and how to manage them effectively. They can also provide helpful tips on staying focused and productive during challenging times. 

Zavvy's Resilience Backbone course follows an 8-week structure, although employees can participate at any time. By the end of the course, your employees will know how to: 

• Remain calm and in control during stressful events
• Create personal circumstances to thrive in any situation
• Manage thoughts and feelings effectively 
• Bounce back following adversity
• Develop long-term strategies to improve mental and physical well-being. 

➡️ Learn more about Zavvy's impactful resilience training.

🏢 5 Stellar examples of companies that excel at resilience training

Need some inspiration? Let's look at how successful companies incorporate resilience training in their workplace. 

Google 

Google stands head and shoulders above other tech companies in California in its stance on employee resilience. It incorporates several measures to safeguard its employees, including: 

• No meeting periods;
• Building video content to nurture healthy sleep and breathing habits;
• Regular TEA check-ins (Thoughts, Energy, and Attention) where employees can discuss whatever is on their mind with their manager;
• Virtual cooking classes to encourage connection amongst distributed teams.

Zavvy 

Zavvy's hybrid and remote team receive weekly well-being nudges to stay mentally and physically balanced. 

The best part about the Well-being Booster is that it is not for internal use only.

Zavvy makes it easy to support your employees' mental and physical health to boost satisfaction and reduce stress at your workplace. 

The employee Well-Being Booster program is suitable for employees across your entire organization in any rank or role. 

Anyone who takes part will learn how to foster behaviors to avoid burnout. 

➡️ Check out the Zavvy Well-Being Booster and try it for free.

Cullinan Properties 

This US property company regularly chants a mantra of "our health is our wealth," offering employees a broad range of wellness initiatives. These aim at improving emotional resilience skills, including: 

• A generous no-questions-asked allowance to spend on wellness, such as family counseling services or health club memberships 
• Shortened summer hours so employees can focus on their work-life balance by starting their weekends earlier 
• Self-care support such as fully stocked kitchens, dry cleaning, and personal courier services to reduce stress outside of work. 

Unyte-iLs

This health neuro-tech company prioritizes creating a safe working environment by following the Polyvagal Theory – aka the science of feeling safe. 

Leaders encourage Unyte-iLs employees to be aware of their bodies' responses and nervous systems. By doing so, they can acknowledge how safety, danger, or risks impact their behavior at work. 

The result is greater resilience when responding to life's challenges.

Wates Group 

Wates Group is a construction and property services company that launched its business-wide personal resilience training program to mark Mental Health Awareness Week in 2021. The aim of the program, called "Bouncing Back," is to:

• Reduce stress-related absences. 
• Improve mental health outcomes. 
• Ensure that the workplace has a positive impact on employee well-being. 
• Offer support to every employee to achieve a greater work-life balance.

The training includes a mix of in-person or virtual workshops and online resources to improve personal resilience and better manage the pressures of work and home.

➡️ Enable a more resilient workforce with Zavvy

Workforce resilience relies on more than just training – it requires a dedicated approach to support your team members throughout every aspect of their employment. 

To increase your employees' job satisfaction and happiness at work so each feels more capable of handling challenges, we have some bonus solutions for you: 

•  🚀 Onboarding workflows that support your new joiners from day one so they're quickly productive and immersed in company culture. 
• 🌱 People development frameworks that build role clarity and guide people along a fulfilling and continuous learning path.
• 🔄 Customizable feedback systems that are instrumental in creating a culture of growth and learning. 
• ☕️ Coffee roulettes for remote colleagues to build essential workplace connections. 

Ready to dive in and create a robust and resilient workforce? Book a free demo with Zavvy today.