While adversity often results in some kind of growth, many challenges are painful and exhausting - and yet, most of us need to continue to show up at work even during these hard times.  

Show Notes

The adversity from personal challenges can lead to personal growth, enhancing life appreciation, personal strength, relationships, spiritual growth, and recognizing new life paths. Although painful experiences are something any of us want, many people experience Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).  No one really wants or asks for that gift, but there it is - even at work.  

When we are managing employees in crisis, we can be most helpful by bringing our best in terms of compassion and flexibility. Managers should set a compassionate tone, offer creative solutions, and check in regularly without becoming overly involved or making unfulfillable promises - and even with flexibility remember boundaries. Consistency in treating similar situations among employees is crucial.

Personal crises can impact our work lives - everything from divorce, bankruptcy to illness and death.

During a crisis, brain function is impaired by stress. It's essential to process emotions fully to avoid burnout. Stress perception impacts our functionality: however, viewing stress as a challenge can enhance concentration and performance, while viewing it as a threat increases fear. Key questions to foster a challenge response include identifying control points, specific actions, strengths, and resources.

10 Ways to Function at Work When Your Life is a Mess

1. Vent Wisely: Vent to a friend outside of work, not coworkers.

While adversity often results in PTG, leading to renewed life appreciation, enhanced strength, deeper relationships, spiritual growth, and new life directions, we acknowledge that these challenges are painful and exhausting - and yet, most of us need to continue to show up at work even during these hard times.  

Good Reads

10 Ways to Function at Work When Your Life is a Mess

How to work when your life is a mess | Alexandra Samuel

PERSONALITY PROCESSES AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES Rethinking Stress: The Role of Mindsets in Determining the Stress Response | Semantic Scholar

Working Through a Personal Crisis (hbr.org)

How Adversity Makes You Stronger

How to Manage an Employee Who’s Having a Personal Crisis