Why is developing your resilience so important? (Part 1) - Guest Article by Jill Maidment

The world changed forever with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. Many peoples’ lives and their freedom were curtailed.  At short notice, around half of all office workers were forced to work from home, for some this was the first time and a real challenge. Lockdowns and restrictions meant seeing loved ones was often not feasible.

Although human beings can adapt well to change, fast forward two years and the real psychological as well as physical impact of Covid-19 is surfacing as workers try to adapt to the ‘new normal’. Since 2020 peoples’ routines and personal situations have changed, even personalities have adjusted. Many have lost loved ones, or been ill themselves, some have Long Covid, most have had to cancels holidays, events, and even weddings.  Sadly, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in mental health issues, especially anxiety.  Some employees feel they have lost their ‘mojo’ and are ‘languishing’, others are struggling with screen fatigue, pandemic fatigue, and even uncertainty fatigue.

Unfortunately, many of those who have really struggled over the past two years were already dealing with issues, whether financial or interpersonal, for example, and these have worsened under the pressures of Covid. Sadly, anyone going through a negative key life event, from a divorce to a miscarriage, has also suffered even more with challenges around lockdowns and restrictions. The pandemic has definitely tested even the most resilient individuals.  Quite a few of those who have actually thrived, and come out stronger, were either very resilient to begin with, or have worked hard to develop their Resilience skills.

 

What is Resilience?

Resilience is made up of a complex set of skills and behaviours which are affected by beliefs and personality styles, and which differ greatly from one person to another.  It is often referred to as the ability to maintain a positive mindset, manage stress and anxiety, cope with the inner negative voice, be more optimistic, and bounce back from major setbacks.

Resilient individuals tend to have a positive mental attitude and are able to cope well with uncertainty.  Being more resilient enables you to cope better when faced with key challenges, both in and outside work.

 

Why Developing Resilience Skills is so Important for both Individuals and Organisations

If organisations invest in Resilience Coaching or Training, they can enable employees to cope better with setbacks and to better manage stress and change, both in and outside work.  This can lead to an improvement in levels of job satisfaction, engagement, and morale. Sickness absence levels can also drop, and morale improves.  Employees who feel valued and supported through any key life events and challenges are more likely to be committed and loyal to their organisation. Armed with a set of tools, coping mechanisms, and skills in Resilience, employees are more likely to be able to carry on working when faced with major issues.

Resilience Coaching can allow your staff to offload any concerns and receive support in order to regain a healthy and positive mindset.  It provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space, where employees can discuss key issues with the Coach acting as an objective sounding board regarding any tough decisions or actions.  The ability to manage stress can be assessed and practical coping techniques introduced and practiced.

 

The Benefits of Resilience Programmes

The return on investment of Resilience Programmes is usually very high due to a drop in sickness absence, and an increase in morale and retention levels. The war on talent is ramping up, the skills shortage is worsening, and some reports are suggesting that 60% of the workforce is considering joining the Great Resignation. Therefore, investing in the development of your peoples Resilience skills can have a significant impact on the bottom line.  In addition, the most requested employee benefit in 2021 was access to free Counselling services, which shows the increased requirement for mental health support.

 

Jill Maidment is the Founder of Natural Talent, Bristol. She works with clients in some of the largest global companies, as well as public sector organisations, delivering Executive Coaching, Career and Transition Coaching, and Resilience Coaching. Jill has extensive experience, in the past, having worked for one of the world’s largest Counselling Consultancies, introducing Employee Assistance Programmes. She has also worked closely with Counsellors, managers and staff dealing with the aftermath of a range of major disasters, including an air crash, rail crash, and terrorist attack.

Jill believes that in the new normal, we shouldn’t be focusing on bouncing back to how things were pre-pandemic; we need to bounce forwards with renewed resilience and energy to deal with whatever challenges and ongoing change come our way.  Jill regularly speaks to large global audiences, and she has published many expert audio talks on key leadership and management topics.  Here you can download Jill’s short eBook on Resilience  ‘The Ultimate Resilience Manual – Bounce Forwards with Resilience to Cope with key Challenges’