Top Strategies for Building Resilience and Managing Stress in Organisations

In our previous article, we explored the importance of resilience and stress management training for organisations. According to Gallup, employees who experience burnout are 63% more likely to take a sick day, 2.6 times more likely to actively seek other jobs, and 13% less confident in their performance.

In this article, we’ll delve into some practical techniques that can help individuals navigate challenges, maintain work-life balance, and enhance overall job satisfaction. Read on to discover the strategies your organisation can start implementing from today!

Cognitive strategies: interrupting the stress cascade

Stress is a complex reaction. Your brain perceives a challenge as overwhelming, which then triggers negative thoughts. This, in turn, activates your body's "fight-or-flight" response, leading to physical sensations like a racing heart or tight muscles.

Under stress, it's common to fall into a loop of negative self-talk. Phrases like "I'm too overwhelmed" or "I'll never finish this" actually fuel the stress response, making it harder to manage the situation. Stop the negative thought cycle in its tracks and divert it:

• "This is stressful, but it's temporary."
• "What's one step I can take right now to feel more in control?"

In-the-moment stress relief is a great tool to learn. Learn mindfulness techniques to calm the mind and body in a pinch, such as this Quick Stress Release technique from Therapy in a Nutshell.

Time Management 

Time management is key to reducing stress. Effective strategies can help you manage your workload, reduce stress, and build resilience.

1. Know how you spend your time by tracking your time habits
2. Set priorities - list all tasks, then do the most important and urgent first.
3. Utilise a planning system that works for you - paper or digital? Automated apps and reminders?
4. Organise your space. Remove the clutter and make things easy to find.
5. Schedule your tasks, giving enough time between to travel or reset. Remember to include down time!
   
   

Create a healthy work environment

Creating a stress-free workplace is vital for employee well-being and productivity. We can promote a healthy environment in the following ways:

Problem solving communication

Effective communication is key to overcoming workplace stress and building resilience. Clearly expressing thoughts and feelings in a respectful way can avoid conflicts and misunderstandings. A problem-solving approach ensures that everyone's concerns are addressed, creating a more positive and collaborative workplace.

Open and supportive

An open and supportive culture encourages team members to share their thoughts and concerns. By actively managing stress and potential mental health risks, we create a safe space for open dialogue about well-being.

Work-life balance

Employers can support this by offering flexible work hours, remote work options, or designated time off for personal activities. Encouraging employees to take breaks and use their leave can prevent burnout and help them recharge.

Prioritise physical and mental health

Whether through ergonomic furniture, access to natural light or wellness programs, prioritising health can significantly improve stress levels. When a space focuses on both physical health and mental well-being, it creates a great atmosphere for employees to thrive - resulting in more job satisfaction and higher productivity.

Not all stress is bad

While stress is often viewed as a negative experience, it can be helpful in many situations. Some stress can motivate us to get a task finished or to perform well, such as an athlete competing in a race or a speaker giving a presentation.

• Helpful stress (known as eustress) boosts performance and productivity. It's short-term, manageable, and can enhance focus, motivation, energy, and problem-solving. It can look like excitement, nerves, or a boost of adrenaline to power through a task.
• Unhealthy stress (distress) is chronic, overwhelming, and can decrease productivity, cause anxiety, and lead to physical health problems. It can look like constant worry, frequent conflicts or feelings of overwhelm.

Stress is all about perspective. Everyone's experience is unique, so it's important to know when you or your team might need some extra support. Paying attention to these signs can create a healthier workplace and improve well-being.

Building Resilience & Mastering Stress: The Association Academy’s solution

Want to learn more about building resilience and mastering stress? Intuto has developed a course designed to equip your staff and members with the tools they need to navigate challenges and thrive. Building Resilience & Mastering Stress provides education and practical strategies to enhance your ability to manage stress effectively.

Intuto understands the challenges many associations face in launching a new initiative (resourcing, investment in infrastructure, tech expertise, board approval, and so on). Intuto, via The Association Academy, has taken care of these challenges allowing associations to get going with no set up cost, ongoing license fees or any other hidden fees. The model is one of shared revenue on course sales - providing associations with a bonus non-dues revenue stream!

Earn 30% from every paid course your members invest in, at no cost to you. Build confidence in becoming an education provider for your members without the risk. Meet with us to start your journey toward a more resilient and balanced workplace. Because when you invest in well-being, everyone benefits!