What makes a workplace resilient? In this interview, Everbridge Chief People Officer Cara Antonacci shares her perspective on how leaders can strengthen team resilience, adapt to change, and foster a culture of trust and collaboration. She discusses the role of communication, leadership, and the importance of supporting employees in a constantly evolving work environment.
What does resilience mean in the workplace?
Resilience is about how teams handle tough times. It’s not just bouncing back after something goes wrong, it’s how we adapt, stay productive, and support each other when things are uncertain. When change happens—and it always will—a resilient team can push through without losing momentum. Resilient teams trust each other, communicate well, and know leadership has their back.
How do you build resilience in a global, digital-first workplace?
Workplaces today are more connected, but also more spread out. We have people working across countries, time zones, and cultures. That can be a strength, but it can also lead to gaps in communication or people feeling isolated.
We need to be intentional. Leaders should check in regularly with teams, especially remote ones. Clear communication is key—whether it’s daily stand-ups, video calls, or quick updates in a chat. We need to create a culture where everyone feels included and valued, no matter where they are. That kind of environment builds trust and makes teams more resilient when the pressure is on.
How do Everbridge’s CLIP values shape workplace culture?
CLIP stands for Customer First, Learning, Integrity, and People. Those values show up in how we work every day. Customer First reminds us that everything we do impacts the people we serve. Learning keeps us improving, even when we face setbacks. Integrity pushes us to do the right thing, even when it’s hard. And People—well, that’s the heart of it all. We look out for each other, and that builds trust and resilience.
When these values guide decision-making, teams know what’s expected. They know leadership will support them. That creates a culture where people can adapt, step up, and face challenges together.
How can leaders help teams stay strong during times of change?
Change is part of work. Teams grow, companies restructure, priorities shift. Leaders need to be open and honest about what’s happening. People handle change better when they understand why it’s happening and what the plan is.
We also need to listen. Ask how people are doing. Sometimes it’s a quick chat, other times it’s making sure someone gets the support they need. Flexibility helps, too. Maybe someone needs to adjust their schedule or take time to regroup. Little things like that show people they’re valued and supported.
What advice would you give to someone trying to strengthen their workplace culture?
Start small. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Focus on building trust – listen, communicate often, and follow through on promises. Show people you value their work and their well-being.
Culture isn’t built by policies, it’s built by actions. When teams see leaders putting customers first, learning from mistakes, acting with integrity, and looking out for people, they’ll do the same. That’s how you get a culture that holds up during tough times.
Summary
As Cara’s insights make it clear: when leaders prioritize communication, trust, and adaptability, they strengthen both their teams and their business. Take the next step in building a more resilient workplace today.