Frontline Manager Training – Chicago Resiliency Network

Building resilient workplaces starts with supporting the people who lead the frontline. CRN’s Frontline Manager Training gives managers practical tools to support their teams every day.

CHALLENGE

Frontline managers are being asked to carry more.

45%

of managers globally experienced significant stress the previous day in 2025

22%

of managers globally were engaged at work in 2025, down from 31% in 2022

70%

of the variance in team engagement is attributable to the manager

< 50%

of managers worldwide have received management training

Opportunity

Frontline managers shape many of the moments that define an employee's experience—from how stress and conflict are handled to whether employees feel heard, supported, connected, and able to succeed.

This insight has led CRN to its next area of focus: equipping frontline managers to build resilient teams.

Frontline Manager Training

The Frontline Manager Training Program is a three-month training and coaching experience designed to give frontline managers practical tools they can use with their teams every day.

Respond to stress and challenging situations with greater awareness and confidence.

Build trust and connection through empathetic leadership, listening, and positive interactions.

Create psychologically safe teams where employees can ask questions, raise concerns, and learn from mistakes.

Build sustainable team rhythms that strengthen communication, performance, and resilience.

MONTH 1

Supporting the Frontline

Centering the Why

MONTH 2

Regulate & Relate

Building resilience, trust & connection

MONTH 3

Perform & Sustain

Turning practices into sustainable routines

Learn More

Learn

‍
Group work.

Build practical skills for managing stress and leading resilient teams

Strengthen relationships and learn empathetic listening

Prepare to handle difficult situations and employee crises

Take Action

Company-specific work.

Apply new tools to real challenges on your team

Get one-on-one coaching and time to reflect

Build team routines that support steady performance

Group work.

Discuss challenges with peer managers

Exchange practices that work

Understand what works across different frontline settings

IMPACT

Resilient people build resilient businesses.

Employees are better equipped to manage stress.

Resilient workplaces help people spot stress early and respond, with managers leading the way.

Employees feel more supported at work.

Managers who listen, follow up, and invite input build trust and belonging.

Retention increases.

People stay when they feel supported, can grow, and trust their managers.

Performance and productivity increase.

Supported teams communicate, solve problems, and stay focused on shared goals.

Past CRN Programs

Generation Work™

Generation Work helps companies hire, retain, and advance young talent, particularly employees of color. Business leaders work with experts and peer companies on a pilot focused on inclusive hiring and a more resilient workplace.

The program was launched in 2016 by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and National Fund. The Chicago program is hosted with Cara Plus and CWFA.