How to Manage Workplace Stress, Part 3
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This document outlines a series on managing workplace stress, highlighting its negative impact on productivity and health. It offers strategies for leaders to alleviate stress, such as adjusting schedules, limiting meeting times, allowing autonomy, recognizing employee contributions, and managing workloads. The aim is to create a healthier, more supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being and productivity.
How to Manage Workplace Stress, Part 3
- 1. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU A 4-PART SERIES BY ROS CARDINAL WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE
- 2. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE In this installment of our 4-part series, we'll review additional strategies leaders and managers can use to assist their employees in managing workplace stress effectively in order to create a healthier work environment.
- 3. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE Stress is inescapable when it comes to the workplace. It’s simply a part of the bargain. Because of this, it's essential to know how to effectively manage stress.
- 4. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE According to HelpGuide.org: “having your employees suffering from work-related stress can result in lower productivity, lost workdays, and a higher turnover of staff."
- 5. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE That's because chronic stress can result in symptoms such as low energy, headaches, upset stomach, nausea, tense muscles, chest pain and rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and frequent colds and infections.
- 6. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE In fact, research has shown that chronic stress can even lead to more serious conditions such as depression, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Unfortunately, stress often goes unchecked in the workplace. Employers may not know how to recognize it, and employees may not know how to manage it.
- 7. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE The good news is that as a manager, supervisor, or employer, there are things you can do to lower workplace stress. In the following slides, we'll examine some of the contributing factors to stress and how you can help your employees troubleshoot them.
- 8. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 1. Long Commutes Sometimes, employees are already stressed long before they clock in for the day. This is because of popular commuting hassles like heavy traffic. After all, no one enjoys sitting in traffic.
- 9. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 1. Long Commutes One way to resolve this is to adjust employee schedules so that they don’t have to commute during rush hour. Many corporate brands have even begun allowing employees to telecommute and set their own hours, which for some may prove to offer a richer work/life balance that effectively reduces stress.
- 10. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 2. Long Meetings The problem with long meetings is that while the leadership may think they’re covering a great deal of ground, all employees can think about is all the work waiting for them back at their desks–work they need to get done before they can head home for the day. This can cause employees to come to resent meetings.
- 11. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 2. Long Meetings To resolve this, consider setting a time limit for every meeting. Adhering to a pre-planned agenda is also helpful. Any outstanding issues can be addressed in the next meeting or simply emailed to all attendees in digital minutes.
- 12. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 3. Micromanagement Many employees are dedicated individuals who are willing to work hard and get their projects done with excellence. However, when they lack control over how and when the work is performed, it can lead to overall job dissatisfaction and a great deal of stress.
- 13. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 3. Micromanagement How can managers solve this problem? Continue setting objectives for your team members, but let them be the ones to control the manner in which they achieve the desired results. In other words, give them more autonomy. It will allow your employees to feel like they have ownership over their tasks, which leads to better work output.
- 14. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 4. Lack of Feeling Valued at Work Do you regularly thank your team members for a job well done? Everyone likes to feel appreciated and everyone likes to know that they’re a valued member of a larger whole. It’s a validating experience to be shown appreciation.
- 15. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 4. Lack of Feeling Valued at Work Unfortunately, many companies and organisations have forgotten this and months or years can go by without ever offering so much as a nod of approval to employees. This in turn lowers morale and leads to employees feeling like they can easily be replaced at a moment’s notice.
- 16. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 4. Lack of Feeling Valued at Work The solution? Whether it’s a small note, a gift card, or simply a word of acknowledgement in your next team meeting, be sure to recognize your employees for excellent work. It’ll boost their confidence and create a desire in them to continue going the extra mile.
- 17. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 5. A Heavy Workload Finally, one of the biggest contributing factors to workplace stress is simply a heavy workload. Every day, employees are expected to meet growing demands of work output with nonstop excellence, and after a while, it can lead to total and complete burnout. This only results in exhaustion, lack of enthusiasm, and dwindling motivation.
- 18. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 5. A Heavy Workload To combat this, many companies have established ‘employee assistance programs’ to assist their employees in dealing with stress and burnout and/or they regularly offer stress management training.
- 19. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE 5. A Heavy Workload While stress management is very much an ‘individual’ matter, an organisation still plays an important role and should diligently offer educational programs as well as organisational change where it regards workloads, community, values, and more.
- 20. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE Stress is common in the workplace, but it doesn’t have to be detrimental to the morale and productivity of your employees. Learn to identify the warning signs of persistent stress so that you can encourage and empower your team members before the condition becomes chronic and starts interfering with their work.
- 21. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE Further, using the strategies shared throughout this series, identify ways you can resolve the stress issue in the workplace and create an environment where your employees are not only healthy but also happy.
- 22. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE Which of the five strategies discussed will you start implementing in the workplace today to help your employees combat stress?
- 23. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE In Part 4 of this series, we'll examine easy-to-implement daily habits you can begin putting into place to manage stress on a personal level.
- 24. WWW.SHAPINGCHANGE.COM.AU HOW TO MANAGE WORKPLACE STRESS WORKPLACE STRESS HOW TO MANAGE We hope you enjoyed this presentation! Visit www.shapingchange.com.au for more resources on leadership development, change management, emotional intelligence, and more!