Workplace Productivity and Emotional Resilience
This report examines the link between emotional resilience and productivity in the workplace
Greater effectiveness at work
A UK-based study by Vielife found that high levels of emotional resilience (i.e. dealing well with
stress) are related to greater effectiveness at work. This finding indicates that improving resilience is
potentially an important strategy for improving work productivity in the UK
13.5 million working days lost
Between 2007 and 2008 in the UK, an estimated 13.5 million work days were lost to work-related
stress, and 442,000 workers believed they were experiencing stress at a level that was making them
physically ill.1
These data, however, come from a time of relative economic prosperity. Economic downturns are
unsettling for most individuals. With job uncertainty, increased work pressure and financial
concerns, it is almost certain that the scale and frequency of the adverse health consequences of
stress will rise even further.5
The business case
The business case for health and wellness in the workplace is well established. Most employers
understand that having ill and unproductive employees making products or interacting directly with
customers is a business risk. Focusing on health, wellness and productivity should be a priority for
organisations in times of economic uncertainty and increased stress. Emotional resilience not only
improves effectiveness at work, but people with higher levels of emotional resilience also enjoy a
greater immunity from certain illnesses
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Business in the Community is ensuring work is good for everyone.