Facing adversity in the workplace can be a seriously detrimental effect for any team member.
Allowing an adverse environment to continue within your organisation will be certain to impact the intrinsic happiness, engagement and productivity. It’s crucial that all business owners are willing to maintain a constant awareness of any situations within their teams, however minor or major they may seem.
As Head of Inclusion at Champions (UK) plc, I aim to make tackling adversity prevalent within all our clients’ and partners’ companies.
In this blog, we look at some methods you can implement into your organisation to overcome adversity at work.
From a Decision Maker Perspective
Encourage Open Communication:
Business owners need to create an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns and challenges without fear of retribution. Actively listening to your team members, validating their feelings and providing constructive feedback is imperative for tackling adversity.
One method could be guaranteeing you conduct regular one-on-one meetings and team check-ins to stay updated on any issues or developing situations. Encouraging open communication is essential for overcoming adversity at work as it allows for the timely identification and resolution of issues, and promotes a supportive environment where employees feel valued and heard.
Strengthen Team Collaboration:
You must encourage team members to work together to solve problems and share best practices. Form cross-functional teams to bring diverse perspectives and solutions to the table, and create peer support networks where employees can rely on each other for help and advice.
Business owners can strengthen team collaboration by implementing cross-functional teams to leverage diverse perspectives and skillsets, and by organising regular team-building activities to enhance trust and communication among team members.
Lead by Example:
Show resilience in your actions and decisions, and serve as a role model for your team. By maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude, especially during challenging times, you will optimise your potential for maintaining engagement throughout the organisation.
By establishing empathy and compassion towards your employees' struggles and support them through difficulties. Business owners can lead by example in their organisation by consistently demonstrating the values and behaviours they expect from their team, such as integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
Provide Support and Resources:
Decision makers should be ensuring employees have the necessary tools, training, and resources to perform their duties effectively. Offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that provide counselling and support for personal and professional issues, as well as mentorship opportunities to guide employees through challenges and career development.
You can also look into providing ongoing training and development opportunities to help employees enhance their skills and advance their careers. Also ensure to equip employees with up-to-date tools, software, and technology to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively.
Overcoming Adversity as a Team Member
Seek Support When Needed:
Don't hesitate to seek assistance from colleagues or supervisors when facing difficulties, and ensure you make use of available resources such as training programmes, counselling services, or support tools offered by the organisation.
Also, if you are struggling with any adversity at work, don’t feel embarrassed or judged to seek guidance from mentors or more experienced colleagues.
Develop Personal Resilience:
Focus on what you can control and stay optimistic. Ensure you get enough rest, exercise, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, while utilising mindfulness techniques to manage the daily stresses that come with the modern world of work.
To further develop personal resilience in the workplace, cultivate a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement, and set realistic, achievable goals to maintain motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, build a strong support network by connecting with colleagues, mentors, and friends who can offer guidance, encouragement, and perspective during difficult times.
Demonstrate Reliability:
Guarantee you follow through on your commitments and meet deadlines consistently - I would always recommend owning your mistakes and learning from them to improve future performance. Also, take initiative in your tasks and look for ways to contribute beyond your basic responsibilities.
Act as a reliable body by offering support to your colleagues. Provide assistance when team members need it and be available to help with their tasks or projects, reinforcing your dependability and dedication to teamwork.
At Champions (UK) plc, our specialist people team are experts in helping you enhance your internal workforce. Visit our dedicated EDI page today or fill out an online contact form to overcome adversity at work today.