Unpacking Toxic Resilience in Workplace Conversations

What you need to know?

Toxic resilience refers to the idea that we should consistently perform at 100% even in the face of often stressful circumstances. She is the problem child of toxic positivity and resilience.

The recent period has been marked by economic uncertainty and layoffs, particularly in the technology industry, where nearly 100,000 people have lost their jobs since January. Whether people are in the line of fire or not, they are often expected to work at maximum capacity to protect their jobs. Not surprisingly, nearly half of Generation Z and Millennials feel stressed/anxious all or most of the time.

Is it right that we expect those affected by impending layoffs, or those who fear they will be next, to simply... persevere to the point of burnout?

What others say about it?

Bruce Daisley, a workplace culture consultant, author and recent guest on our podcast, explained to his followers on X:

"Resilience and everything we're told about resilience is a toxic myth[...] It's a brilliant reinterpretation because it tells all these authorities: 'It's not something we're doing wrong: it's something that "There's something wrong with you, and we need to fix that [by building that resilience]."

What this means for you?

It is up to organizations, not individuals, to create an environment in which healthy resilience can thrive - and in which toxic resilience is actively prevented. We must acknowledge that stressful events impact our ability to concentrate, and it is not the responsibility of the individual to operate on all cylinders to the point of exhaustion.

It is important to acknowledge the emotional toll and reassure employees that their job is not at risk (if you can be sure that is the case). It is also vital that you offer practical support to those affected by redundancies and other very stressful events, such as: in the form of severance pay, outplacement services and ongoing access to psychosocial support.

IceHrm advocates for a workplace culture that rejects toxic resilience and prioritizes genuine well-being. We believe in fostering an environment where employees are supported and not expected to endure stress at the cost of their mental health.