3 Leadership Priorities to Foster Resilience

The past year has witnessed a profound upheaval in the workplace, marked by the abrupt closure of offices in response to COVID-19, ushering in a new era of remote work. Despite the demonstrated capacity for productivity in home environments, individuals face numerous challenges, magnified by the adaptation to a work-from-anywhere paradigm, adding an extra layer of stress. While teleworking proved effective for maintaining productivity, especially among knowledge workers, the Pew Research Center highlights that a significant portion of the workforce—particularly those under 50 or with young children—struggles with the home office setup. Chronic stress, exacerbated by the remote work shift, not only weakens the immune system over time but also contributes to unhealthy behaviors, impacting mental health and increasing the risk of anxiety, burnout, depression, and substance use disorders. The ripple effects of workplace stress extend to reduced employee productivity, heightened absenteeism, increased healthcare costs for employers, and elevated rates of accidents, injuries, and turnover, amplifying administrative burdens.

Haworth’s team of researchers identified 3 priorities to reduce stress and foster resilience in the work from anywhere era. The efforts taken by leadership in these three areas can reduce stress, improve mental health and well-being, reduce absences due to burnout, and potentially lead to higher job satisfaction.

1. Cultures that bolster resilience
2. Be flexible and adapt
3. Well-being factors that support resilience

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