How many of you know someone who went through a traumatic layoff, only to find a better employment situation? Sometimes workers find employment that fits their skills, talents, aspirations or circumstances better-even if it doesn't pay as well or offer the same working conditions.  

Not to downplay the suffering taking place during these economic times, but it is refreshing to hear good news. World at Work reports that an Accountemps survey with “457 workers 18 years of age or older and employed full- or part-time in an office environment” shows “nearly three-quarters of workers surveyed said the recession has actually had some positive impact on their career.” Some of the reported benefits include: getting the opportunity to take “on new projects,” responsibility or challenging assignments, or the chance to interact more with “management,” “clients or customers.”

When the economy rebounds, individuals with the right skills and experience will be in demand. As a result, employees who are able to take advantage of current learning opportunities will improve their chances of being re-hired once conditions rebound. Furthermore, individuals who can maintain their resilience should be more able to recognize and take advantage of positive opportunities.

The American Psychological Association help center has prepared a number of articles on resilience. The following article is reproduced in its entirety (in accordance with the following instructions on the website “Documents from apahelpcenter.org may be reprinted in their entirety with credit given to the American Psychological Association.”) The same article can also be accessed here.

According to the American Psychological Association, “10 Ways to Build Resilience” include:

"Make connections. Good relationships with close family members, friends, or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience. Some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper.

Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. You can't change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations.

Accept that change is a part of living. Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.

Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly -- even if it seems like a small accomplishment -- that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?"

Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away.

Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.

Nurture a positive view of yourself. Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience.

Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.

Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.

Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.

Additional ways of strengthening resilience may be helpful. For example, some people write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to trauma or other stressful events in their life. Meditation and spiritual practices help some people build connections and restore hope.

The key is to identify ways that are likely to work well for you as part of your own personal strategy for fostering resilience.”

Within the workplace, organizational leaders can use some of the same principles to maintain productivity and morale during challenging times. Action steps could include building support networks within the organization, enhancing positive communication, focusing on solutions, clarifying goals, building on individual strengths and providing learning opportunities.

Do you have suggestions to add related to how to nurture resilience within your organization?

References:

American Psychological Association. “The Road To Resilience.” [www.apahelpcenter.org]. 2007.

WorldatWork. “Workers Cite Positive Career Impacts of Recession.” Press release [www.worldatwork.org]. May 11, 2009.