Manage And Reduce Stress For Your Employees With These Tip
Stress in the workplace can come from many different factors, and it affects everyone differently. Individuals who are in a position of leadership often feel the pressure of both running daily operations and managing their employees, while hourly workers deal with stressors related to deadlines, customer service, and working in a fast-paced environment. Learning the right ways to handle stress--both yours and that of your employees--can help ensure that everyone has a positive work experience, which can in turn boost productivity and sales. So here are some tips and resources to get you started, courtesy of Basic Counseling Skills.
Redirect Your Attitude
It can be difficult to focus on positivity when you’re feeling pressure from upper management, or when sales are down and everyone is scrambling to catch up. Take a deep breath and remember that the way you speak to your employees can make or break the situation. Not only does it affect the morale of your team, but it also creates a ripple effect that could prove to be costly to your business. In other words, seek out the problem and look for ways to solve it rather than blaming your employees. Ask for their input on how to improve things and always remain vocal about their achievements in front of one another while holding them accountable in private meetings.
Remain Culturally Aware
While it’s essential to remain positive within the work environment, it’s also important to seek out the different causes for stress or tension while keeping in mind that cultural differences can play a role. Keeping communication open will be helpful, especially around cultural topics. Your employees should feel comfortable expressing themselves in the manner to which they’re accustomed, and it’s your responsibility to educate yourself on the differences in verbal and physical communication that can lead to misunderstandings. Consider hosting celebratory events or even simple meetings for the staff that include multicultural foods and music so that everyone on the team feels they are represented.
Offer Support
No matter their cultural background, your employees should feel supported when it comes to their mental health. By providing access to HR materials and remaining flexible with those who need time to speak to a counselor or therapist, you can create an atmosphere that uplifts while giving team members the resources they need to take care of themselves. You can also offer remote work options, which could relieve some stress from employees who are having a hard time finding child care or have other obligations to tend to at home. This has advantages for you, as well, since remote workers are often more productive and the process itself saves the company money.
Practice Self-Care
It’s next to impossible to be an uplifting, supportive leader when you feel drained or overwhelmed, so your own self-care is just as important as the mental wellness of your employees. Setting boundaries can be immensely helpful for individuals in management positions, especially if you find yourself taking work home with you each night. Delegating is also helpful; once you have a solid team atmosphere, you’ll feel comfortable leaving them in charge so that you can take time off, and time off is crucial for your wellbeing. Even if it’s only one day here and there, having a break will help you recharge so you’ll be the best version of yourself you can be.
Creating a completely stress-free environment at work is next to impossible, but there are several ways you can reduce tension and support your employees for a noticeable effect. Communication is key for everyone involved, and that means learning to listen as well as talk.
Basic Counseling Skills is geared to the needs of University and College Students, Health Care Practitioners, Volunteers, and New Counselors. But my hope is that EVERYONE – including Teachers and Professors, Department Managers, Volunteer Coordinators, and experienced Counselors - will find this a good refresher and will recommend it to others. If you have any questions, please email jan.carrie.steven@gmail.com.
Photo via Pexels
Redirect Your Attitude
It can be difficult to focus on positivity when you’re feeling pressure from upper management, or when sales are down and everyone is scrambling to catch up. Take a deep breath and remember that the way you speak to your employees can make or break the situation. Not only does it affect the morale of your team, but it also creates a ripple effect that could prove to be costly to your business. In other words, seek out the problem and look for ways to solve it rather than blaming your employees. Ask for their input on how to improve things and always remain vocal about their achievements in front of one another while holding them accountable in private meetings.
Remain Culturally Aware
While it’s essential to remain positive within the work environment, it’s also important to seek out the different causes for stress or tension while keeping in mind that cultural differences can play a role. Keeping communication open will be helpful, especially around cultural topics. Your employees should feel comfortable expressing themselves in the manner to which they’re accustomed, and it’s your responsibility to educate yourself on the differences in verbal and physical communication that can lead to misunderstandings. Consider hosting celebratory events or even simple meetings for the staff that include multicultural foods and music so that everyone on the team feels they are represented.
Offer Support
No matter their cultural background, your employees should feel supported when it comes to their mental health. By providing access to HR materials and remaining flexible with those who need time to speak to a counselor or therapist, you can create an atmosphere that uplifts while giving team members the resources they need to take care of themselves. You can also offer remote work options, which could relieve some stress from employees who are having a hard time finding child care or have other obligations to tend to at home. This has advantages for you, as well, since remote workers are often more productive and the process itself saves the company money.
Practice Self-Care
It’s next to impossible to be an uplifting, supportive leader when you feel drained or overwhelmed, so your own self-care is just as important as the mental wellness of your employees. Setting boundaries can be immensely helpful for individuals in management positions, especially if you find yourself taking work home with you each night. Delegating is also helpful; once you have a solid team atmosphere, you’ll feel comfortable leaving them in charge so that you can take time off, and time off is crucial for your wellbeing. Even if it’s only one day here and there, having a break will help you recharge so you’ll be the best version of yourself you can be.
Creating a completely stress-free environment at work is next to impossible, but there are several ways you can reduce tension and support your employees for a noticeable effect. Communication is key for everyone involved, and that means learning to listen as well as talk.
Basic Counseling Skills is geared to the needs of University and College Students, Health Care Practitioners, Volunteers, and New Counselors. But my hope is that EVERYONE – including Teachers and Professors, Department Managers, Volunteer Coordinators, and experienced Counselors - will find this a good refresher and will recommend it to others. If you have any questions, please email jan.carrie.steven@gmail.com.
Photo via Pexels
