Challenges Associated with Overemphasis on Employee Resilience: Exploring Leadership Role and its Effect on Employee Well-being and Organisational Outcomes

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20070116

Zandile Shabangu and Joyce Toendepi (Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa)

Resilience is regarded as a critical attribute to employee performance as it improves work-related outcomes in the face of adversity. However, there are unquestioned leadership practices that overemphasise individual resilience and often overlook consequences. The study had 2 objectives: first, to explore the challenges associated with the overemphasis on employee resilience; and second, to assess the consequences for employee well-being and organisational outcomes. The research was qualitative, and an interpretivist exploratory design was adopted. The sample consisted of ten participants, who were purposively sampled and interviewed. Data was thematically analysed. The analysis revealed that relying too heavily on resilience as a personal trait can obscure organisational responsibility, creating leadership gaps that harm the well-being of both employees and the organisation. Furthermore, the findings show unintended consequences such as burnout, higher attrition rates, and the neglect of systemic workplace issues. It is recommended that leadership practices be recalibrated to focus on transparency, emotional intelligence, and the cultivation of a supportive workplace environment. Resilience should be viewed as a shared organisational responsibility rather than an individual capability. The study’s originality lies in its contribution to the broader discourse on sustainable leadership practices and in its practical insights for fostering resilience without compromising employee well-being. The findings guide the development of strategies to modify leadership practices, fostering a positive work environment where employees can flourish rather than just cope with workplace pressures.