From Crisis to opportunity: Key Takeaways from the 8th International Congress of Organizational Wellbeing
On January 20,the 8th International Congress of Organizational Wellbeing,titled “From Crisis to opportunity,” brought together prominent national and international experts to explore how crises can be transformed into opportunities for growth. Held online, the event emphasized the impact of DANA in the Valencian Community, offering actionable strategies to address catastrophes from personal, business, and organizational perspectives.
Moderated by Carmen Soler and Julien Bourillon, the congress unfolded through three discussion tables, each addressing critical aspects of crisis management and resilience. Here’s a deep dive into the key insights shared during the event.
Table 1: Coordination and Reconstruction After DANA
Table of Contents
The first discussion highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts in the aftermath of a crisis like DANA. Participants stressed the importance of collaboration between public and private institutions, as well as the community, to rebuild and reactivate affected areas.
The emotional and psychological toll on vulnerable groups was a focal point, underscoring the necessity of restoring dignity and well-being to those impacted. As one speaker noted, “Management, action, and collaboration are essential to reactivate communities and mitigate the consequences of future disasters.”
Table 2: Resilience and Emotional Management in Traumatic Situations
Resilience, while innate, requires cultivation to effectively navigate unexpected challenges. Speakers emphasized the role of healthy habits, strong social connections, and emotional tools like gratitude and purpose in overcoming trauma.
Practical strategies such as physical exercise, meditation, and self-care were presented as vital for maintaining well-being during tough times. The concept of an “emotional resources backpack” emerged as a powerful metaphor for preparedness, enabling individuals to find learning opportunities in adversity.
The key takeaway? “Proactively raising awareness to manage emotions and build meaningful relationships is essential to successfully overcome the crisis.”
Table 3: Organizational Preparation for Disasters
The final table focused on disaster preparedness for businesses. Experts highlighted the need for clear protocols, robust support networks, and effective communication to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate crises.
Organizational well-being was identified as a competitive advantage. Companies with strong cultures and integrated wellness programs are better equipped to respond to crises and ensure business continuity. As one participant reflected, “A company that is committed to the well-being of its employees can transform the crisis into an opportunity for strengthening and growth.”
A Learning Space That left Its Mark
The congress concluded with a powerful message: preparation,collaboration,and a commitment to well-being are the cornerstones of resilience. Attendees praised the event as an enriching space for developing joint strategies that prioritize people and organizations, turning adversities into opportunities for growth.
For those who missed the live event, a delayed viewing is available here.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
| Discussion Table | Focus area | Key Insight |
|————————————|——————————————————————————-|—————————————————————————————————|
| Coordination and Reconstruction | Post-crisis recovery and collaboration | Management, action, and collaboration are essential for community reactivation. |
| Resilience and Emotional Management| Building emotional strength and healthy habits | Proactive emotional awareness and meaningful relationships are crucial for overcoming crises. |
| Organizational Preparation | Disaster preparedness and organizational well-being | Companies committed to employee well-being can turn crises into opportunities for growth. |
The 8th International Congress of Organizational Wellbeing not only provided actionable insights but also reinforced the importance of collective effort in building a resilient future. As the world faces increasing challenges, events like thes remind us that crises, when approached with preparation and collaboration, can indeed become opportunities for transformation.
headline: “Transforming Adversity: A Conversation with Dr. Maria Grandsen about the 8th International Congress of Organizational Wellbeing”
Introduction:
Join us as Senior Editor Sandra Lee sits down with Dr. Maria Grandsen, a renowned psychologist and expert in organizational resilience, to discuss the insights and key takeaways from the 8th International Congress of Organizational Wellbeing, held in January. dr. Grandsen will share her thoughts on how crises can be transformed into opportunities for growth, with a focus on the impact of events like DANA in the Valencian Community.
1. Building Resilience in the Aftermath of Crisis
Sandra Lee (SL): Dr. Grandsen,the first discussion table at the congress focused on coordination and reconstruction after disasters. What were some of the key points made by the participants?
Dr. Maria Grandsen (MG): Collaboration was the word of the day, Sandra. The participants emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts, especially between public, private institutions, and the community, to rebuild and reactivate affected areas. It’s not just about restoring infrastructure; it’s about helping people recover emotionally and psychologically. Restoring dignity and well-being to those impacted should be a top priority. One speaker put it beautifully: “Management, action, and collaboration are essential to reactivate communities and mitigate the consequences of future disasters.”
SL: That’s a powerful statement. How can these efforts be sustained over time?
MG: That’s a great question, Sandra. It’s crucial to have long-term planning and consistent interaction. Moreover, involving the community in the recovery process can foster a sense of ownership and engagement, making the efforts more lasting.
2. Emotional Resilience: Preparing for the Journey
SL: Moving on to the second discussion table, resilience was a key theme. How can individuals cultivate this innate ability to bounce back from adversity?
MG: Resilience is indeed an innate capacity, but it can be strengthened. Developing healthy habits, such as regular physical exercise and practices like meditation, can greatly improve one’s emotional well-being and ability to cope with stress. Building strong social connections and fostering a sense of purpose are also vital. The concept of an “emotional resources backpack” was a great metaphor for this. It’s about having tools and skills at hand to navigate unexpected challenges and turn them into learning opportunities.
SL: That’s an excellent analogy. How can we foster this proactivity in managing emotions and relationships?
MG: Education and awareness are key.We need to have open conversations about mental health and emotional well-being,starting from a young age. This can definitely help individuals recognize and manage their emotions better, as well as cultivate meaningful relationships. This proactive approach can considerably enhance resilience.
3. Organizational Resilience: A Competitive Advantage
SL: let’s talk about organizational resilience. The congress highlighted the role of companies committed to employee well-being in turning crises into opportunities for growth.
MG: Absolutely,Sandra. Companies that prioritize employee well-being are better equipped to respond to crises and ensure business continuity. A strong company culture and integrated wellness programs can foster a sense of resilience and adaptability. A participant reflected that such a company can “transform the crisis into an possibility for strengthening and growth.” It’s a win-win situation; investing in employee well-being not only helps navigate crises but also improves overall productivity and performance.
SL: Dr.Grandsen, thank you so much for sharing your insights on these crucial topics. Your expertise and the learnings from the 8th International Congress of Organizational Wellbeing indeed provide a roadmap for turning adversities into opportunities.
MG: Thank you, Sandra. It’s been a pleasure. I hope these insights inspire more organizations and individuals to prioritize resilience and well-being.
