Some people seem to naturally bounce back from setbacks, while others may find overcoming challenges more daunting. This ability to recover in the face of difficulties is known as resilience. Like a muscle, it can be developed and strengthened over time with practice and dedication. At TSA Group, we understand how important resilience is for our employees’ wellbeing and success, and we’re dedicated to nurturing it within our teams. However, resilience is something anyone can develop, regardless of their role or environment. But what exactly does it mean to be resilient in the workplace, and how can you develop the skill?
Understanding workplace resilience
Being resilient at work involves more than just coping with your daily tasks; it means thriving amidst challenges and continuously advancing despite changes. This capability allows employees to embrace new circumstances, recover from difficulties, and maintain a positive outlook. Resilient individuals manage stress and unexpected issues effectively, translating these challenges into opportunities for personal growth and contributing to a stronger, more dynamic team.
In a professional setting, resilience can manifest in several key ways:
- Adaptability: Quickly adjusting to new processes, shifting priorities, and different ways of working.
- Perseverance: Staying focused and motivated, even when faced with challenges or when initial efforts don’t succeed.
- Emotional intelligence: Managing one’s emotions effectively and empathetically understanding the emotions of others, which helps in maintaining a harmonious workplace.
- Problem-solving: Finding solutions during stressful situations and turning obstacles into opportunities.
How to develop resilience
Developing resilience is a personal journey that involves establishing certain habits and mindsets:
- Embrace a learning mindset: View every challenge as an opportunity to learn. Rather than fearing failure, focus on what lessons each experience can teach you. At TSA Group, our video series “Mistakes That Made Me” directly illustrates this philosophy in action, featuring team members who turned their missteps into stepping stones. Remember, it’s often the mistakes that provide the most valuable insights, shaping our ability to navigate future challenges with more skill and confidence.
- Build strong relationships: Just as a learning mindset helps you grow from challenges, building strong relationships provides the emotional support and practical advice you need to stay resilient. At TSA Group, we make it easy to connect with colleagues through relaxed in-person gatherings and our internal social media platform. Creating opportunities to connect with colleagues, like TSA Group does, can support stronger relationships. Even in less structured environments, small actions like reaching out for a virtual coffee chat or sharing insights in the break room can create meaningful connections. Alexis, TSA Group’s People Experience Lead, captures the essence of our collaborative culture: “You can have a laugh with anybody, have a chat with anyone, and bounce your ideas around. We’re always celebrating each other’s successes and revelling in our wins.”
- Prioritise self-care: Caring for your body and mind is crucial for resilience. Regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and balanced nutrition are essential. At TSA Group, our annual Happy Health Month provides opportunities for our team to recharge through activities such as yoga sessions and healthy cooking competitions. Finding wellness practices that work for you and turning them into lasting habits will strengthen your resilience over time.
- Set clear goals: Define what success looks like for you and break down the steps needed to achieve it. Clear goals give you direction and purpose, helping you stay focused during challenging times. Achieving small goals not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also builds confidence and fuels your motivation for larger challenges. This step-by-step progress strengthens your resilience, as it helps you adapt to setbacks and maintain momentum, even when things don’t go as planned. For practical tips on effective goal setting, check out our article, ‘Setting goals for real life.’
- Stay organised: Staying organised allows you to manage your time effectively, which is key to maintaining resilience. When everything is in order, it’s easier to adapt to challenges and setbacks without feeling overwhelmed. By keeping track of your priorities, you create a sense of control and preparedness, helping you stay calm and focused, even in stressful situations. Effective time management plays a crucial role in maintaining an organised work environment. Learn more about mastering time management to improve your productivity and reduce stress here.
- Practise mindfulness: It’s clear that managing stress is a key component of building resilience, as we’ve seen with setting goals and staying organised. Mindfulness takes this a step further by helping you stay grounded in the present moment, enabling you to better manage stress and maintain clarity. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and practising presence can improve your response to challenging situations, allowing you to stay calm and focused. By incorporating mindfulness into your routine, you can strengthen your ability to navigate difficulties with a clear, composed mindset. Explore detailed practices and benefits of mindfulness here.
- Seek constructive feedback: Regular feedback is a tool for growth. It helps identify areas for improvement, understand your strengths, and refine your approach to challenges. At TSA Group, we encourage an open feedback culture where everyone feels empowered to seek and give feedback. This ongoing dialogue not only helps you adjust your strategies and methods swiftly but also reinforces a mindset that views feedback as a tool for growth rather than criticism. In any work setting, seeking constructive feedback builds resilience by helping you continuously improve.
Building resilience is a journey
Resilience isn’t something that happens overnight – it’s a skill you develop through small, intentional actions. By embracing a learning mindset, building supportive relationships, and prioritising self-care, you lay the groundwork for lasting growth. Organising your day, setting clear goals, and practising mindfulness can all help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence and composure. And remember, seeking feedback isn’t about judgment—it’s about refining your approach and continuously improving.
Take one small step today, whether it’s seeking feedback or setting a new goal, and start building your resilience. At TSA Group, we’ve seen firsthand how developing resilience empowers individuals to thrive. Whether you’re part of our team or looking to grow on your own, these tips can help you face any challenge with strength and adaptability.