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Creating a Resilient
Workplace
By Elaine Boltz, CEAP, CLL,
eboltz@lifemanagement.cc
and Holly Socolow, CEAP,
hsocolow@lifemanagement.cc
The downturn in the economy brought many
changes to the workplace. Organizational budget constraints have
resulted in staff reductions often leaving remaining workers with greater
workplace responsibility and increased stress. An antidote to this
stress is the intentional cultivation of the quality of resilience.
Research has shown time and again that resilient employees are able to
move through difficult times more successfully. Resilience, while
natural for some, can also be learned.
Here are some strategies to promote
resiliency in the workplace:
- Engage employees. Matching
employee strengths and skills to job duties gives employees a sense of
being a valuable asset to the organization. When setting goals,
allow members of the team to contribute to team goals, and provide
constructive feedback which encourages involvement.
- Provide a supportive environment.
Encourage open two-way communication among all levels of staff.
Validate all perspectives where possible.
- Help employees find meaning in their
work. It is important that employees understand how their
responsibilities contribute to the good of the organization. At
the same time, providing autonomy allows employees to "own their
position" and feel uniquely valued.
- Encourage creativity. Where
possible, allow employees to use creative thinking in how their job
functions are performed. This may yield larger benefits in
improved efficiencies and strengthened employee engagement.
- Be aware of employee personal goals
to help them grow personally and professionally.
- Encourage success through change.
Help employees become more resilient by highlighting your confidence in
their abilities and the support that is available to them. This
reduces irrational fears and provides concrete steps the employee can do
to be successful in the "new normal."
- Create a sense of optimism to
show that employee success (both personal and organizational) is based
on attitude and effort, not happenstance.
Creating an atmosphere of resiliency in
the workplace will assist workers to bounce back from workplace and
personal stress and promote a more positive workplace environment.
Elaine Boltz, B.A., is the Employee Assistance Services Account Executive at
Life Management Associates. Contact Elaine at 717.394.6688 /
800.327.7770 or email
eboltz@lifemanagement.cc
Holly Gardner Socolow, MHS, is
Manager of Employee Assistance Services at Life Management Associates.
You can contact Holly at 717.394.6688 / 800.327.7770 or via email
hsocolow@lifemanagement.cc
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