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Thriving or surviving: Recognizing, addressing workplace ‘failure to thrive’

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October 7, 2024

In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environments, it’s not uncommon for employees to feel overwhelmed, disengaged or simply “not thriving.”

This phenomenon – often referred to as “failure to thrive” – can have a significant impact on individual well-being and organizational performance.

Recognizing the signs of failure to thrive and taking proactive steps to address them is crucial for creating a healthier and more productive workplace.

Understanding workplace failure to thrive

The concept of failure to thrive originated in pediatrics to describe children who are not growing and developing as expected despite adequate nutrition.

In the workplace, it can be applied to employees who are not feeling like they are growing and thus not performing optimally.

They might experience low morale, lack of engagement or a feeling of disconnection from their work or team.

This can manifest in various ways, such as:

  • Decreased productivity: Reduced output, missed deadlines or lack of initiative. For example, an employee might consistently miss project deadlines or produce subpar work.
  • Low morale: Negative attitude, decreased job satisfaction or increased absenteeism. This could include frequent complaints, a lack of enthusiasm for work or excessive sick days.
  • Poor communication: Difficulty expressing ideas, feeling unheard or avoiding interactions. Employees may struggle to participate in meetings, avoid giving feedback or seem withdrawn from team discussions.
  • Lack of engagement: Feeling disconnected from the team or company goals. Employees may appear disinterested in company initiatives, fail to contribute to team projects or express a lack of alignment with the organization’s mission.

Causes of workplace failure to thrive

The reasons for workplace failure to thrive can be complex and multifaceted.

Some common factors include:

  • Imbalanced workload: Long hours, unrealistic expectations and a constant sense of being overwhelmed can lead to burnout and decreased motivation. Employees may feel overwhelmed by their workload, struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance or experience physical or mental exhaustion.
  • Lack of job satisfaction: Employees who feel their work is meaningless or unfulfilling may struggle to find purpose and motivation. They may feel bored, unchallenged or misaligned with their career goals.
  • Poor work-life balance: Difficulty in managing work and personal responsibilities can lead to stress, anxiety and decreased overall well-being. Employees may struggle to juggle work commitments with family, social or personal obligations, leading to feelings of stress and burnout. 
  • Lack of an inspired work environment: A work culture that does not provide for or encourage development can contribute to low morale, decreased productivity and increased turnover. Employees may feel undervalued, unsupported or lacking in opportunities for growth and advancement.
  • Personal challenges: Personal issues, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems or health concerns can also impact an employee’s ability to thrive at work. These challenges can create distractions, stress and emotional turmoil, making it difficult to focus on work and maintain a positive attitude.

Impact on the organization

When employees are not thriving, it can have a significant negative impact on the organization. 

Some of the potential consequences include:

  • Reduced productivity: Decreased output, missed deadlines and lower quality of work. This could lead to missed opportunities, decreased revenue and damage to the organization’s reputation.
  • Increased costs: Higher absenteeism, turnover and the need for additional resources to address business objectives.
  • Uninspired company culture: A negative work environment can damage the organization’s reputation and make it difficult to attract and retain top talent. Employees may be less likely to recommend the company to others, and the organization may struggle to fill vacancies. The lack of ready-for-promotion team members negatively impacts succession planning.
  • Damage to employee morale: When employees feel undervalued or unsupported, it can lead to decreased morale and engagement throughout the organization. This can create an unhealthy work culture, leading to increased conflict, decreased collaboration and a negative impact on the overall employee experience.

Strategies for addressing workplace failure to thrive

To address the issue of workplace failure to thrive, organizations may benefit from implementing strategies that promote employee overall well-being and create a supportive work environment. 

Some effective approaches include:

  • Active listening: Managers should be attentive to employees’ concerns and provide a safe space for open communication. This involves actively listening to needs and concerns, showing empathy and understanding and creating a non-judgmental environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
  • Identifying root causes: It’s important to understand the underlying reasons for an employee’s struggles and develop appropriate solutions. This may involve conducting one-on-one meetings, conducting employee surveys or analyzing performance data to identify the root causes of an employee’s challenges.
  • Providing support and resources: Offer professional development programs, mental health resources and other support services to help employees grow and thrive. This could include access to coaching or training programs that can help employees develop new skills and improve their well-being.
  • Creating a supportive environment: Foster a positive and inclusive work culture that values employee well-being. This involves creating a sense of belonging, fostering a culture of trust and respect and providing opportunities for employees to contribute to the organization’s success.
  • Monitoring progress: Regularly check in with employees to track their progress and ensure that implemented strategies are effective. This involves setting clear goals and expectations, providing regular feedback and making adjustments as needed to ensure that employees are making progress and feeling supported.

Employee participation in the solution

Though organizations play a crucial role in addressing workplace failure to thrive, employees can also take steps to improve their own career outlook and contribute to a supportive work environment.

Some strategies that employees can adopt include:

  • Open communication: Proactively communicate needs and concerns with managers and colleagues. This involves being honest and open about your challenges, seeking feedback and actively participating in team discussions.
  • Self-care: Prioritize self-care activities to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. This includes engaging in activities that you enjoy, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
  • Setting expectations: Set and discuss career goals with managers and HR. This involves clearly communicating your career aspirations, setting realistic goals and participating in developing a plan to achieve them.
  • Seeking support: Identify a mentor or coach to provide guidance and support. A mentor or coach can offer advice, encouragement and support as you navigate and overcome your career and personal challenges.
  • Continuous learning: Invest in professional development to stay engaged and fulfilled. This involves seeking out opportunities for learning and growth, such as taking courses, attending conferences or participating in training programs.

By working together, organizations and employees can create a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued and able to thrive.

TBN
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