Building resilience: how HR can transform employee wellbeing

Work is tougher than ever. With constant technological changes, economic uncertainty, and increasing workloads, employees are under more pressure than before. It’s no surprise that 76% of UK workers report moderate to high stress¹, yet only 30% feel they have strong resilience at work². But these aren’t just statistics, they represent real people trying to balance their responsibilities, wellbeing, and performance under pressure.

So, what exactly do we mean by resilience? Think of it like a rubber band that can stretch under pressure but returns to its original shape. In the workplace, resilience is our ability to handle challenges, setbacks, and changes without becoming overwhelmed. It means maintaining effectiveness and wellbeing even when things get tough, whether that's dealing with a challenging project, adapting to new ways of working, or managing unexpected changes.

For HR teams, this isn’t just another workplace buzzword, it’s a real opportunity. Resilience isn’t about simply helping employees ‘cope’; it’s about building a culture where people feel supported, empowered, and able to grow through challenges. But that doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a thoughtful, joined-up approach that touches every part of the employee experience. So, how can businesses do more to help their people not just get by - but thrive?

Why workplace resilience matters

When we look at organisations that thrive during challenging times, one quality stands out: the resilience of their people. Research consistently shows that resilient teams aren't just happier, they're more productive, innovative, and likely to stay with their organisations. The numbers tell a compelling story: companies with highly resilient employees see significantly lower burnout rates, reduced absenteeism, and stronger overall performance. Yet, 9 in 10 UK workers are experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the last year¹, highlighting a critical gap in organisational resilience³.

This is where HR teams become catalysts for transformation. Their influence extends far beyond traditional personnel management, touching every aspect of the employee experience. Through thoughtfully designed policies, carefully cultivated workplace cultures, and strategic wellbeing initiatives, HR professionals can build an environment where resilience naturally flourishes.

HR strategies for building employee resilience

1. Prioritising mental health support

A proactive approach to mental health is one of the most powerful ways HR can build resilience. This includes:

• Offering Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) with confidential counselling and wellbeing resources.
• Training managers to recognise signs of stress and provide appropriate support.
• Encouraging open conversations about mental health to eliminate stigma and normalise seeking help.

2. Fostering a supportive workplace culture

A positive, inclusive workplace culture is key to resilience. HR can nurture this by:

• Recognising and celebrating achievements to boost morale and motivation.
• Promoting strong workplace relationships through team-building activities.
• Ensuring clear and transparent communication to reduce uncertainty and build trust.

3. Embracing flexibility and work-life balance

Flexible working arrangements can dramatically reduce stress and enhance resilience. HR can support employees by:

• Offering hybrid working models or remote work options where feasible.
• Providing flexible hours to accommodate personal and family commitments.
• Encouraging employees to take regular breaks and use their annual leave to recharge.

4. Investing in professional growth and development

When employees feel in control of their career progression, their resilience strengthens. HR can facilitate this by:

• Providing access to training programmes and skill-building workshops.
• Encouraging mentoring and coaching to support career development.
• Creating clear pathways for progression to help employees feel valued and motivated.

5. Implementing effective stress management initiatives

Practical stress management initiatives can make a real difference to employee wellbeing. HR can introduce:

• Mindfulness and meditation sessions to promote relaxation and focus.
• Physical wellbeing programmes, such as gym memberships or workplace fitness challenges.
• Workshops that teach stress management techniques employees can use in their daily lives.

Measuring the impact of resilience initiatives

To ensure these initiatives are making a difference, HR should track their effectiveness through:

• Employee engagement surveys and regular feedback loops.
• Absenteeism and staff turnover rates.
• Productivity and performance indicators.

By regularly collecting and analysing data from these key areas, HR departments can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their resilience-building initiatives. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement, demonstrate the return on investment, and refine strategies for creating a more resilient and thriving workforce.

Looking forward

The future of work will continue to bring new challenges, making resilience more crucial than ever. Organisations that invest in building this critical quality now will be better positioned to navigate whatever comes next. Through thoughtful policies, supportive cultures, and practical resources, HR teams can help create workplaces where resilience isn't just a buzzword but a lived reality.

Building resilience isn't about eliminating stress or challenges, it's about creating an environment where people feel equipped and supported to handle whatever comes their way. When organisations get this right, they don't just survive difficult times; they emerge stronger, more adaptable, and better prepared for the future.

Sources:

1. https://workplacewellbeing.pro/news/76-of-workers-struggle-with-high-stress-levels/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. https://www.aon.com/unitedkingdom/media-room/articles/employees-motivated-productive-if-resilient.jsp?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. https://euc7zxtct58.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/16142505/Mental-Health-UK_The-Burnout-Report-2025.pdf