Investing in Long Term Resilience Builds Sustainability

Human resource departments contribute to the health and welfare of employees and their families. Management may not fully understand the benefits of creating a culture of caring characterized by building long term resilience. Resilience is inherently linked to sustainability. A common example of an on-site enrichment program is a community garden. Other creative options may include an on-site bike shop with mechanic tools and support, preparing and eating family style meals together and providing health, fitness and nutrition information, food preservation classes, employee designed rain catchment systems and innovative environmental solutions. It does not require great expense to have employee’s s dehydrate healthy snacks to share at work, exchange ideas and give demonstrations that benefit the group. Many people have talents from which to draw and would happy to share information.

Smaller entities may focus on a single aspect of resilience.  Examples include but are not limited to preparing a supply of care packages for special needs, planting a couple fruit trees, a small vineyard and managing a few bee hives, growing a small salad gardening and use of red worm composting bins or even planting a small herb garden, sharing recipes,  and harvesting seeds to share.  Larger entities may use a team approach to helping employees and the community with improvement projects outside of work such as specialized teams to help others recover from adverse situations by checking on their welfare, acting as a care coordinator to schedule needed resources, or bringing a volunteer work crew to offer help. Many large entities have logistics departments or vendor networks that could become a valuable resource especially during adverse conditions. Resilient employees and members are more apt to come to work and focus on their job if they know with certainty their families are able to take care of themselves and that others stand ready to help them in times of need.  Savvy, innovative management teams take the initiative to build a sense of community in the workplace that extends beyond a mere job description. Enrichment opportunities that build resilience are only limited by flexible management and the creativity and interests of the planning team. Employees are the backbone of any business, or non-profit. Sustainability is tested during adverse or unforeseen circumstances. The ability to roll out plans to meet constantly changing conditions requires practice, mental creativity, and efficient team work. A resilient workforce is able to work better under pressure.

Columbia Springs-Rain Barrels

English Estate Winery