Wellbeing and Resilience in the Face of Change

On 18 March 2022 , I was honored to run a live webinar to some 80 Tasmanian lawyers from all over Tasmania thanks to the Law Society of Tasmania. Attendees joined from Burnie to Smithton; from home offices to Hobart, Devonport, Rosny and Launceston, and covered all forms of legal practice – large/medium/boutique/sole legal practices; as well as the not-for-profit and public sectors.

In other words, we had a wonderful opportunity to explore this important topic – especially given how engaged and generous attendees were with their comments and input; and because I was able to present a comparison of what was on Tasmanian legal colleagues minds based on a past webinar in 2020 (as the pandemic first hit).

I encourage you to reflect on what your own experiences have been as you read this article (see the bolded Focus questions).

The webinar was based upon Alta Pete’s popular ‘Wellbeing, resilience and change’ workshop that we run for clients around Australia and covers:

• Why wellbeing, resilience and recharge matters;
• ‘Resilience reservoir drainers’ – stress, change, psychosocial risks;
• ‘Resilience reservoir fillers’ – Individual, Team and Virtual Team;
• An opportunity for Individual Reflection and Action Planning.

The Alta Pete guidance is summarised below, but since much of the value or ‘gold’ came from the contributions from attendees, this has also been summarised below as italicised quotes.

How would you describe 2022 in one word?
When asked this question, colleagues used descriptors such as:

… Chaotic; Strange; Intense; Trying; Hectic; Unpredictable; Difficult; Unexpected; Novel; Varied; Claustrophobic … [what word would you insert here?]

Tip 1 – Take time to reflect on ‘wellbeing’ and why it matters to you, your team and the broader ‘system’
There are many wellbeing frameworks, but a popular favourite is Dr Martin Seligman’s PERMAH framework:

• Positive emotion;
• Engagement;
• Relationships (authentic ones);
• Meaning;
• Accomplishment;
• Health (including hydration, nutrition, sleep).

The data is clear as to why wellbeing matters. Some studies estimate that stress costs the Australian economy $14.81 billion a year(!) and presenteeism up to $35 billion annually(!!), but we know that managing stress and pressures matters form our own experiences. Focus question: Consider a time when the PERMAH elements have been out of balance for you – what were the costs? I am willing to bet that it mattered for you, your clients, and possibly your firm and even the broader legal system.

Tip 2 – Know your ‘Resilience Reservoir Drainers’
In Alta Pete workshops, we encourage you to think of your resilience levels as being like a reservoir – there are things in life that drain that reservoir and things that top it up.

When I asked colleagues what some examples of reservoir drainers were, some examples given are set out below (note: I have included a comparison of what these were as stated in a similar 2020 workshop as an interesting point of comparison):

Focus question: What would you add to either list?
Even though some remain the same, some have shifted. A common reflection is that change itself can be a reservoir drainer – including the fact that human beings tend to process change both emotionally and rationally (though this does not mean that reactions to change are always rational – in fact they are often quite irrational!).

Tip 3 – Invest your time in ‘Resilience Reservoir Fillers’ that work for you
The business case for investing in wellbeing is overwhelming. For example, some studies have found that for every $1 invested by workplaces in wellbeing will generate a $5.81 return! Some things you can consider here include:

Individually

• Mind – e.g. take time out for reflection (away from tech), planning, time by yourself or in nature.
• Body – e.g. seek out good fuel for your body, keep hydrated, prioritise GP visits.
• Rest – e.g. make sure you get sufficient ‘down time’ – daily, weekly, yearly.
• Purpose, goal, mission – take time out to set some short, medium and long term career goals. A coach or mentor can help with this.
• Workplace – set healthy boundaries; limit overtime and leave work on time where possible.
• Connections with others – volunteering and re-connect with old friends.

Team/Firm level
Take time to really get to know each other (facilitated team building days and psychometric tools can be useful here).

Practice asking powerful questions (e.g. ‘how can I support you throughout this project?’, rather than just ‘how are you going?’).

Team protocols and charters (agreed ways of behaving and using tech, meetings etc) can be valuable.

In virtual teams

• Ensure adequate training and access to technology.
• Provide guidance for use of tech tools.
• Regularly check on everyone’s ‘tech exhaustion’ levels, and consider alternative forms of communication.

Other wellbeing ideas from attendees (in no particular order):
Individual

… Go to the gym, see my favourite friends and family, read a book, have an evening of no pressure activity like watching terrible tv; ‘Comfort food’; music; gardening; AFL or running; exercise – at the time isn’t ‘enjoyable’ but you feel great after; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Fishing; Reading; Beer in the sun; G and Ts; Listening to the background music from the MMORPG DragonNest; walk to my local beach listening to 80’s hits; socializing; team sports; Gym – Fitstop; Seeing family and friends; Rewatching old time favourite tv series; Singing; Taking dog for a walk; cooking; mindless chores; holidays; movies; Yoga…

Team/Firm/Virtual
Debriefing; Friday drinks; getting coffee; Staff lunches; have an ‘Hour of Full and Frank’; Staff morning teas

Keep in touch
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic and feel free to email me.

James Fletcher
Director, Alta Pete Consulting
www.altapete.com.au
jamesf@altapete.com.au
0403 687 685

1. Health and Productivity Institute of Australia, as cited by Comcare.