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TOP 10 TIPS FOR MANAGERS TO REDUCE ORGANISATIONAL STRESS
Stress can prove a major headache for firms, leading to misunderstandings and getting in the way of productivity. Dr Rosemary Anderson, chair of International Stress Management Association UK gives some advice on how to cut stress at work
1. Adopt the attitude that stress is not a weakness, and develop this culture within your department
Nobody’s perfect, we all have too much pressure from time to time, and stress can affect anyone given an accumulation of circumstances. Foster the mindset that it isn’t a weakness to seek help if you are not coping – it’s a strength to admit it and do something about it. Promote this as a developmental issue. Handling stress is a proactive intervention to prevent ill health in your employees and your organisation.
2. Ensure you are not suffering from stress yourself.
A stressed manager has a ‘knock-on effect’ throughout the organisation. Dealing with your own stress will prevent your staff from suffering, and results in a more relaxed and productive atmosphere.
3. Analyse your management style and behaviour.
Ask yourself (honestly) if this is causing any stress. Good management is the best proactive way of reducing organisational stress. A good manager:
- Ensures a realistic understanding of the workload and time it should take
- Sets individual work objectives and targets, and consults and discusses before setting these
- Gives clear, effective instructions
- Makes sure he/she defines roles and tasks adequately – and discusses priorities
- In times of high workload, prepares employees ahead
- Varies work where possible, and provides opportunities for individuals to influence the way they do their jobs
- Delegates effectively, and not just the boring bits
- Ensures staff have adequate training to do a good job, or coaches where training is not possible
- Gives fast feedback (both positive and negative), and constructive criticism where necessary
- Is approachable. Admits to weaknesses and takes responsibility for own mistakes
Which of these could you improve upon?
4. Ensure the working environment is suitable
They should make sure that there is not too much noise or overcrowding, for example.
A poor working environment can cause employees a great deal of stress. While this is sometimes impossible to change completely, many small things can be done to improve the situation.
5. Help your staff to cope with change – no matter how big or how small.
Before introducing a change, listen to the views of your staff. How will it be for them?
Where possible, update employees on any changes taking place, and explain the reasons for them.
Identify those who resist change and help them to accept it. Listen to doubts and fears; explain, coach, boost self-esteem. Check how things are progressing during and after change.
6. Improve communication.
Where possible, keep employees informed of all changes and major decisions. Listen to your staff and hear what they are saying.
Talk to your staff informally and regularly. It will be easier for them to come to you or for you to approach them if there’s a problem.
Observe your staff –you’ll learn a lot from watching.
7. Think of yourself in your employees’ shoes.
What causes your staff stress may be healthy pressure to you, so do not belittle it. Just because it isn’t a problem for you does not mean it isn’t a problem for them. Remember, they might cope easily with issues that cause you stress.
8. Do regular, informal risk assessments of your staff to check nobody is subjected to work-related stress.
9. Encourage your staff to attend a personal stress management course or provide them with tips to help themselves.
10. Create an overall environment that promotes wellbeing.
Remember that relaxed and happy employees will work more effectively, thus increasing their own, and the organisation’s performance and productivity.