Comparing resilience training and stress management training – What is the difference?

This is a question we are often asked and the answer is that there is a difference between resilience training and stress management training but it is a subtle difference.

Proactive or Reactive?

Organisations will rarely look for resources and training in stress management when all is well so stress management tends to be reactive and used when an issue occurs or already exists. It considers strategies to identify the sources of stress and how they can be avoided and managed to reduce the negative health impact they can have within an organisation on both individuals and teams.

Resilience on the other hand is more proactive and helps individuals understand how they can both learn and develop skills in preparation for whatever life has in store. For long enough it was considered as something you either did or didn’t have but it is now known that this isn’t the case and resilience skills can be learnt and developed by everyone with far-reaching benefits for the individual, their team and the organisation.

Today’s Workplace

So, as far as training in stress management and resilience goes, they both have their part to play in today’s workplace. Some have said they consider stress management negative and ‘old hat’ but that is far from the case as stress continues to be a very real issue for many. Training in the subject looks at reducing the pressures which result in stress and the impact those pressures have on us. It therefore covers not only how to de-activate the stress response but also includes tools for self-care and communication for use in situations we find difficult. Many practical tips are discussed including those which can be used for assertiveness, nutrition and time management.

Thriving in Adversity

Resilience training looks at how we can recover and return to normal after experiencing an adversity. It shows us how to take control of our work and life so they are more aligned with what we want and, with practice, can be prepared to react to whatever may come our way in the future. Training encourages participants to acknowledge the resilient skills they have and accept they can increase their resilience in other aspects too. For individuals, the results include feeling stronger, thriving and getting the most from themselves. For organisations, the benefits of employees and managers strengthening their minds, emotions and bodies leads to a workforce which can withstand and thrive when experiencing pressure, setbacks and/or difficulties.

Please remember, all our training can be tailored to your organisation’s requirements – blended resilience training and stress management training is very popular because, as you will see from the above, they are very compatible bedfellows.

• View our Stress Management Training Courses here
• View our Resilience Training Courses here