In an interview, organizational coach Karsten Drath argues that companies need to change their structures to promote employee resilience, rather than expecting employees to become more resilient themselves.
In a recent interview, organizational coach Karsten Drath criticized the overuse of the term 'resilience' in the context of workplace wellness. He asserts that rather than focusing on training employees in techniques such as breathing exercises and gratitude training, companies should take a hard look at their own structures and make necessary changes to create a healthier work environment. Drath emphasizes that the responsibility lies with organizations to foster resilience instead of placing the burden solely on employees.
Drath points to alarming statistics in Western Europe, where sickness rates are currently higher than during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly highlighting respiratory and mental health issues. He notes that anxiety disorders rank at the top of this alarming list, indicating a pressing need for companies to reassess how they support their employees. He believes that fostering a sense of confidence among workers is critical to combating these health challenges.
The interview raises an important point about the current trend in the corporate world that often prioritizes individual mental health strategies over systemic organizational changes. Drath's insights call for a shift in corporate responsibility to not only invest in employee wellness initiatives but to also critically examine and improve workplace environments to ensure long-term employee wellbeing and resilience.
