Nurturing resilience in Critical Occupations

Nurturing resilience in Critical Occupations
Being asked to host an online session at the Insights23 event was a tremendous compliment and a validation of my work spanning criminal justice, psychology, and professional wellbeing over the past 25 years.
 

My journey

… has led me to specialise in supporting staff in what we term “Critical Occupations,” where individuals knowingly expose themselves daily to traumatic events, interactions, and materials. This description perfectly encapsulates the challenging world of criminal justice work. However, it’s essential to understand that being exposed to trauma doesn’t automatically lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Research has revealed that there are numerous safeguards and strategies, both organisational and personal, that can minimise the risk and even foster post-traumatic personal growth and self-development among employees.

My commitment to hosting the Insights23 event was a part of my personal mission to raise awareness about these techniques, improve resilience, encourage self-care, and prompt organisations like HMPPS to embrace this research and work collaboratively to build a stronger and well-protected workforce.

The Insightful Questions

For the session, all attendees were encouraged to submit questions related to well-being and thriving at work. The intent was to provide information that would be not only relevant but deeply meaningful to their roles. It was heartening to see that all the questions submitted were pertinent, thoughtful, and rooted in the very essence of humanity. Equally noteworthy was the attendees’ focus on supporting their colleagues rather than solely on themselves. The hour allocated for the session could have easily stretched longer, given the richness of the discussions.

From practical tips on daily support for colleagues to strategies for influencing a complex and ever-changing organization, it was both a challenge and an exhilarating experience to provide comprehensive responses. More importantly, it was immensely gratifying to witness people actively engaging in the development of strategies to enhance their well-being and resilience, understanding that success in this endeavour could lead to improved performance and professional satisfaction.

One attendee’s post-session comment,

“This was a great insight into the pressures faced by professionals and was a useful mix of theoretical discussion and practical hints and tips. Very interesting and helpful input,”

 

A Vision for the Future

From my perspective, it would be great to establish regular “phone-in” opportunities for staff to discuss the challenges of thriving in critical occupations. Such a practice could not only enhance staff well-being but also invigorate their energy and performance. Ultimately, this would positively impact the lives of those we aim to support towards living offence-free lives.

The Insights23 event was a reminder of the untapped potential within organisations and individuals to nurture resilience and well-being in critical occupations. The questions raised, the insights shared, and the commitment to supporting colleagues showcased a genuine desire for growth and positive change.

As we move forward, it’s my hope that we can continue to engage in such dialogues, fostering a culture of well-being and resilience in critical occupations, that not only benefits the professionals who expose themselves to trauma daily but also serves as a catalyst for positive transformation in our communities.

Professor Joanna Clarke PhD and her award-winning team at Petros are dedicated to delivering evidence-based, highly effective prevention and early intervention mental health support programs, helping to make an important difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Discover more about Jo and the Petros People.

HMPPS Insights brings people together from across the Criminal Justice System to learn, share, connect and celebrate the excellent and innovative work that they do. Learn more on the Insights website.

Category: Resilience for Business Date: Nov 07th, 2023

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