Expert: Fixing organizational systems is more effective than resilience training
Analysis suggests that companies relying on resilience programs are often masking systemic inefficiencies that drive employee stress.
Leadership expert Tony Martignetti argues that companies are failing to address the root causes of workplace stress by focusing on individual resilience training. He suggests that such initiatives often place the burden of adaptation on employees, while systemic issues—such as unclear decision-making protocols and unsustainable workloads—remain unresolved.
A 2024 study by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre supports this, finding that individual-focused wellness programs, such as stress management apps and mindfulness classes, yield little improvement in employee well-being. Martignetti suggests that organizations should instead model their response to workplace strain after crew resource management in aviation, which prioritizes system design over individual performance.
Ultimately, the analysis posits that resilience training is often a reaction to design flaws rather than a proactive health measure. By prioritizing organizational reform, companies may reduce the necessity for resilience training while improving operational efficiency and long-term staff stability.