Topic 4: Elements of the Work Environment
Topic Overview
Often,
the concept of resilience seems too abstract or amorphous to point to
specific actions which would enhance the resilience of an organization.
Research has shown, however, that some concrete elements of the work environment
can and do add to the ultimate resilience of the organization when that
entity is tested by rapid and/or unanticipated challenges which precipitate
change.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will have:
- Learned to identify elements of the work environment which will facilitate the development of a more resilient organization.
Readings and Research
Context
Take some time to explore the four elements identified below. You will be asked to apply the information in a case study.
Four Elements of the Work Environment
Review the Steps in the Development of a Resilient Organization.
Click on the buttons below or print Elements of the Work Environment.
1. Workloads & Human Time Frames are Manageable
Precipitous change and large scale upheaval generally lead to a sense of loss of control. When the work to be done seems to be overwhelming, persons feel crushed and incapable of meeting the demand. Defining boundaries in many areas, including the amount of work to be done, can be a valuable aid in restoring a sense of competence in the face of what is otherwise burdensome. For this reason, identifying a realistic amount of work and/or a realistic work time frame is an important element in fostering resilience. Even workers on-site in disaster situations need to realize that their energy is more limited than their willingness. Encouraging a realistic workload will be helpful in maintaining resilience over time.
2. Training & Development are Encouraged
People are more resilient if they feel competent. Two different types of training therefore need to be offered. Individuals should be offered the opportunity to grow in their own professional lives by learning more about their own jobs and growing in their knowledge of their own work. Training should also be offered in the area of resilience itself and in emergency preparedness in general. People with such training are more resilient in the face of emergencies and disasters than those who must face such experiences unprepared.
3. Employees have Sense of Control in Work Life
One of the factors which diminishes the resilience of an individual is the sense of lack of control. Giving employees control over aspects of their work life such as flexible schedules as well as allowing participation in policy and decision-making, are ways to increase resilience among the members of the workforce.
4. Rewards are Clearly Defined and are an Intrinsic Part of the System
Rewards are Clearly Defined and are an Intrinsic Part of the System Again, making the reward system transparent and direct and not vague and solely at the discretion of the manager/boss will give the workforce members an increased sense of control and will contribute to their resilience.
Learning Activities
Assess your Work Environment
Context
Now that you have studied a little bit about key elements that create an effective and resilient work environment, take some time to assess where these elements exist within your work environment. Remember that identifying these elements or their absence is a constructive task and can be viewed as quality improvement and not criticism.
Task Description
- Step 1: Download the following worksheet
and locate all the elements that currently exist within your organization.
[Environmental Scan]
- Step 2: Share these with your colleagues and dialog about possibilities for improvement or implementation if appropriate.