Building resilience in a changing world of work

The way we work and live continues to evolve, and the pace of change shows no sign of slowing down. We all want to thrive and be successful, so it's important that we develop the skills that allow us to be flexible, adaptable and resilient.

Research into leadership and workplace performance continues to highlight the importance of emotional resilience, adaptability and self-awareness in successful managers and leaders. One of these essential skills is the ability to look after yourself so that you can continue to grow and remain effective in demanding environments.

Why wellbeing matters

One of the keys to achieving this balance is ensuring that you look after both your physical and mental wellbeing.

There is plenty of research to suggest that looking after our physical health supports clear thinking, decision-making and our ability to cope with pressure. Having good levels of energy and vitality can also make it easier to deal with challenging situations.

For organisations, supporting employee wellbeing can contribute to improved engagement, resilience and performance.

There is no such thing as time management

Most people say they don't have enough time to exercise, eat well or simply stop and think.

However, perhaps the real issue isn't time itself.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Often it's less about managing time and more about making conscious choices about how we use it.

Taking time to exercise, think about what we eat, or simply enjoy a few moments of quiet each day isn't time wasted; it's an investment in our wellbeing.

The importance of meaningful work

A second factor that helps us remain resilient and supports our personal growth is finding work that feels meaningful.

For some people that means career progression. For others it might be flexibility, learning new skills, making a difference or achieving a healthier work-life balance.

Increasingly, people are looking for work that reflects their values as well as their abilities. Career paths are also becoming more varied, with some choosing traditional employment while others pursue freelance work, portfolio careers or self-employment at different stages of their lives.

Take personal responsibility for your growth

While organisations have an important role to play, we also need to take personal responsibility for our own development.

Think about how you can make your current role more rewarding.

Focus on your strengths, often the things you most enjoy doing, and volunteer for opportunities that allow you to use them more often. Where possible, reduce or delegate the tasks that don't make the best use of your skills and energy.

Small changes can make a significant difference over time.

Everything starts and ends with the actions you take.

You may have heard the story of the two frogs sitting on a log. One decides to jump off. How many frogs are left sitting on the log?

Two.

The frog decided to jump but never actually took the action.

Good intentions are important, but they only become meaningful when followed by action.

So the question is... are you still sitting on the log?