What does resilience at work really mean?

Resilience is often talked about in the workplace, but the traditional view of pushing through tough times to “stay productive” can be outdated and often counterproductive. 

What is resilience at work really about?

Modern resilience is more about caring for yourself, setting boundaries, and fostering a work-life balance that allows you to thrive rather than survive. 

So, how can you build resilience to create more balance and be at your best at work?

The power of self-care

At the heart of true, personal resilience is self-care. 

Resilience isn’t about ignoring stress; it’s about knowing when to step back and recharge. Taking regular breaks throughout the workday, even if they’re just a few minutes to stretch or breathe deeply, is key to preventing burnout and being at your best at work and in your personal life. 

Moving your body, eating for nutrition, and staying hydrated are crucial to keeping your mind and body in good shape for handling everyday challenges and workplace stresses. 

Emotional self-care

Alongside physical self-care, emotional self-care is just as important. 

Accepting that you won't always get everything right is part of resilience. After all, perfectionism tends to bring more anxiety than relief. 

Instead of letting that harsh inner critic take over, allow yourself to feel disappointment or frustration without letting it consume you. 

Cultivating self-compassion is the best antidote to combating your inner critic. By practising self-compassion, you can recover from setbacks more quickly and maintain a positive outlook on your life and work.

Setting and respecting boundaries

Another essential aspect of cultivating resilience is setting clear boundaries. 

In today’s world, where work can follow you home via emails and messages, it’s easy to let job demands bleed into personal time. Boundaries are blurring. 

To remain resilient and at your growth edge rather than tipping over into overwhelm, you need to protect your family time, time for hobbies, joy and rest. 

That means communicating your limits at work: let colleagues know when you need uninterrupted focus or when you’re off the clock. This helps you recharge and fosters a culture of respect within your team.

Boundaries also mean being mindful of how much you take on. Saying “no” to additional tasks when you’re already stretched thin isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a way to preserve your energy and ensure you can perform your existing tasks well.

Creating a supportive environment

Resilience isn’t built in isolation - it thrives in a supportive work environment. 

When you're feeling overwhelmed, asking for help is a smart strategy. Whether it’s talking to a manager about reducing your workload or reaching out to a coworker for advice, seeking support shows that you’re resourceful and understand your limits. 

Encouraging open communication in the workplace creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking for help, which can reduce stress and improve overall team resilience.

Employers also play a significant role in fostering resilience. A workplace that values well-being - offering mental health support, promoting work-life balance, or providing wellness programs - makes it easier for employees to build resilience and handle stress.

As an employee, you can advocate for these resources. Taking advantage of them when they’re offered.

Strategies for building resilience

To cultivate resilience in your work life, consider these practical strategies:

• Prioritise self-care: Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s a short walk, a hobby, or simply taking a few minutes to relax throughout the day.
• Set clear boundaries: Be upfront about your limits and protect your personal time. This might mean turning off email notifications after work hours or saying “no” to additional tasks.
• Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re feeling overwhelmed - whether it's to a colleague, manager, or mental health professional. Teamwork can lighten the load and improve your resilience.
• Stay connected: Socialising with supportive colleagues can buffer stress and make work more enjoyable. Having a strong support system at work is key to bouncing back from tough situations.
• Focus on growth: See challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of viewing a setback as a failure, ask yourself what you can learn from it and how it can help you improve in the future.

It’s important to reframe what resilience means in the workplace so that you can stay healthy and genuinely productive in your role. It’s not about toughing it out through stress without faltering; it’s about taking care of yourself, setting boundaries, and creating a balance that allows you to thrive, not just survive. 

Building resilience is a personal journey, but with the right tools, support, and mindset, you can navigate workplace challenges more smoothly and maintain your well-being in the process.