Fostering Resilience & Maintaining a Positive Image in Face of Crisis

Throughout the last five years, businesses have faced crises unlike ever before, which have often had a detrimental effect on workplace culture. In times of crisis, the ability to remain resilient and maintain a positive image is crucial for business leaders and organisations alike.

In this article, we explore how to create a resilient workplace culture that can thrive in times of crisis while maintaining a positive reputation.

Effective Crisis Communication

Workplace leaders should prioritise clear and timely communication during challenging times. Sharing information, acknowledging concerns, and providing support and reassurance to employees fosters trust, reduces anxiety, and strengthens the resilience of the workforce. In the workplace, leaders should be transparent, keep employees informed during challenging times, and showing empathy and understanding. Workplace leaders must prioritise open and honest communication during a crisis, clearly explaining the reasons behind the decisions, outlining support programs, and providing a vision for the organisation's future. Transparent communication fosters trust and helps maintain a positive public image.

It is also crucial to act swiftly and responsibly. Take immediate steps to address the issue and minimise its impact. Designate a crisis management team that can assess the situation, develop a clear action plan, and ensure its execution. Demonstrating a prompt and responsible approach shows that you are proactive in managing the crisis and dedicated to protecting your brand's integrity.

More resources on this topic:

• eBook: Internal Communications: how it’s Done and Why it Matters
• 10 Tips on Enhancing Employee Experience through Internal Communication
• Red Cube Podcast: Distilled's Communication Shapes the Way they Work

Supporting Affected Employees and Demonstrating Empathy 

It is important that business leaders recognise the human impact of business decisions like layoffs and demonstrating empathy towards affected stakeholders. Providing outplacement services, career counseling, and emotional support can help alleviate the distress, while maintaining a positive image of the organisation.

In the case of layoffs, creating a severance package that includes financial assistance, continued healthcare coverage, and career transition resources demonstrates care and compassion. Additionally, offering retraining programs or referral networks can equip employees with the tools and resources they need to re-enter the job market successfully. Overall, it is crucial that leaders listen to their employees, especially in times of change and crisis. 

More resources on this topic:

• How To Handle Layoffs With Compassion
• 9 Ways to Show Employees You Value Them

Demonstrating Resilience and Adaptability

To lead their organisations through the difficult process of restructuring, leaders can embrace change and explore new opportunities. 

• Assess the situation: Take the time to assess the crisis objectively. Understand the root causes, potential consequences, and any immediate actions that need to be taken. Gather relevant information, consult experts or colleagues, and consider different perspectives. This thorough evaluation will help you formulate a strategic plan to address the crisis effectively.
• Embrace change: Be open to new ideas and approaches. Evaluate existing strategies, processes, and systems that may need to be adjusted to address the crisis. 
• Develop contingency plans: Anticipate potential scenarios and develop strategies to mitigate risks and minimize the impact of the crisis. This proactive approach shows your ability to think ahead and take preventive measures, instilling confidence in your resilience and preparedness.
• Foster a problem-solving mindset: Approach the crisis with a problem-solving mindset. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects, focus on identifying solutions and opportunities for improvement. Encourage brainstorming sessions or cross-functional collaborations to generate innovative ideas and strategies. 

By demonstrating adaptability and a positive outlook, leaders can inspire employees and stakeholders while navigating a crisis. This is how we identify the top workplace cultures. 

More resources on this topic:

• How to Help Your Team Be More Adaptable to Change

Creating a Solid Circle

While it appears to be a one-man job, in reality, being a leader takes a team effort to complete. When facing a crisis, it's important to seek support from colleagues, peers, or friends who can provide guidance, perspective, and encouragement. Surround yourself with a supportive network of individuals who understand your challenges and can offer advice or simply lend an empathetic ear.

Great leaders recognise the importance of having an excellent team and making the most of their diverse areas of expertise, experience and views. In difficult times, it is crucial for business leaders to be able to delegate tasks and share responsibilities with people they trust.

Additionally, consider joining professional networks or industry groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals and gain insights from their experiences. By joining the Great Place to Work programme, you also access the Great Place to Work Community of hundreds of leaders and HR professionals sharing their experiences and great practices throughout the year. Contact us here.

More resources on this topic:

• How to Be a Better Manager in 6 Steps

Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward

It is important to show resilience by acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and taking steps to improve. In the workplace, cultivating a learning culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth and innovation promotes resilience. Encouraging reflection, feedback, and continuous improvement empowers employees to bounce back from setbacks, adapt, and move forward with renewed vigor. Workplaces can encourage a culture of learning from failures, embracing feedback, and using setbacks as opportunities for improvement and growth. This is a great start to foster a positive work environment.

More resources on this topic:

• How Can Your Company Culture Foster Innovation
• Creating a Culture of Resilience through Remote Working

Sustain Your Personal and Employer Brand

Developing your authentic brand as a leader and protecting it during times of crisis is extremely important for how people perceive you within the organisation, and could open many other doors as well. Protecting your employer brand is also crucial to stay competitive in the talent market and keep a strong relationship with your different stakeholders.

Utilise social and traditional media channels to control the narrative surrounding the crisis. Proactively provide accurate information, updates, and responses to inquiries. Engage with stakeholders through social media platforms, addressing concerns, and providing relevant information. By actively participating in the conversation, you can shape the perception of your brand and demonstrate your commitment to transparency.

Even during a crisis, it's important to stay true to your brand's core values. Reaffirm your commitment to these values in your communications and actions. This consistency helps preserve the trust and loyalty of stakeholders who align with your brand's principles. By demonstrating unwavering commitment to your values, you reinforce your brand's integrity and maintain its identity, even in challenging times.

More resources on this topic:

• 9 Tips to Boost your Reputation as an Employer
• 8 Ways to Build an Effective Employer Brand

In a nutshell

While workplace crises can be daunting, fostering resilience and maintaining a positive image is crucial for overcoming challenges and emerging stronger. By embracing change, communicating effectively, maintaining composure, nurturing supportive relationships, and learning from mistakes, organisations can build resilience and navigate through challenges with strength and grace. During times of crisis, a resilient workplace culture not only helps employees weather the storm but also positions the organisation for long-term success and growth. Remember, it's not the crisis itself that defines you, but how you respond to it that shapes your professional journey.

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. We help organisations quantify their culture and produce better business results by creating a high-trust work experience for all employees. We recognise Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies and the Best Workplaces™ in more than 60 countries. To join the thousands of companies that have committed to building high-trust company cultures that help them attract, retain and take care of their people, contact us about getting Certified today.