Today’s workplace is ever-changing and fast-paced. Emerging technology, a changing economic landscape, and uncertain world events, like the pandemic, place pressure on business leaders that can lead to stress, reducing effective leadership.
Employees also feel the strain of these challenges. Anxiety can impact any staff member; however, between steps like leading by example and making resources available to employees, executives can take steps to lead their team in the right direction.
Support Your Mental Health First
Business owners have taken the brunt of the challenges of the last few years. If your organization has struggled through a difficult season like this, you may still feel strained. However, finding ways to manage your stress has many benefits for your time, including improving your ability to lead and manage. Some ways you can do this are:
- Get a good night’s sleep. Adults require seven hours of sleep per night, but it is not always easy for people running a business. Adequate sleep reduces exhaustion, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
- Practice mindfulness. Quieting yourself in a chaotic time is crucial for leaders. Be aware of the physical cues of stress, like an accelerated heart rate. When you feel tensions rising like this, take a step back from the situation momentarily. Identify the cause of your stress so you can focus on what you need to accomplish and take steps to move forward.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise contributes to good mental health. Working out helps you process emotions while getting your body in shape. Some places of employment even offer gym reimbursements or their own company memberships.
- Embrace the value of support. In addition to having helpful resources for yourself, acknowledge that your team needs support too. Sharing your experience helps you stand out as a proponent of good mental health to your staff.
Managing stress helps improve mental health, but it is only the first step. Effective leaders take steps to help their colleagues by working to reduce stress in the workplace.
Reducing Stress in the Workplace
Stress in the workplace does not just harm your ability to lead; it can impact workplace safety and reduce employee productivity. Challenges include:
- Poor decision-making. Tired, overworked employees and leaders are more error-prone and less productive.
- Safety hazards. People often think safety only pertains to warehouses or manufacturing floors, but stress can make any area unsafe when it leads to forgetfulness or carelessness.
- Poor communication. Tension in the workplace strains relationships, causing arguments that can damage crucial business relationships.
How can managers take steps to reduce these stress-driven problems in the office? Make the workplace less stressful for your staff by ensuring that your staff members all have a stake in your company. Implement policies that encourage them to be an active part of the team. This motivates employees and gets them excited about work.
One of the most important ways to help your teams is to stop micromanaging. Each staff member must understand their work assignments, goals, and responsibilities, but it is better to give them independence. Guide them only when necessary so that they will feel more respected, more relaxed, and more valued as a result.
Supporting employees’ futures as a member of the team is equally important. Help them to chart their future in the company by supporting their goals and aspirations. Corporate recognition and respectful constructive criticism are both crucial too.
Show you care. Small acts that show management cares about their employees can go a long way. You can show your appreciation with increased PTO, bonuses, extended lunchtimes, and even employee appreciation gifts, such as pens or journals.
And don’t forget to make this a safe space where employees can share their input and opinions. Create an “open door” policy for management, human resources, and other teams to help employees process challenging work situations.
Promote Work-Life Balance for Employees
Finally, all employees, including leaders, must have enough time and space for balance. When employees work long hours, help them move through those times. Leaders and managers can take several other steps to help their teams.
- When work requires a short deadline or deep attention, give your employees the ability to have “do not disturb” periods and areas where they can focus.
- Consider offering flexible work hours or remote workdays as options. Not only is this a great way to improve time management, but it will also improve employee satisfaction and productivity, especially for those with responsibilities such as caregiving.
- Working too long without a break can impede the ability to think creatively or find solutions when working on a project. Allow staff to take break periods and set up dedicated areas for it. A snack station, an outdoor terrace, or an area with comfortable seating can help employees take time out when needed.
Business leaders are in a unique position to provide a positive atmosphere that fosters cooperation and productivity. This reduces the pressures of the modern workplace, improving the overall quality of a company and benefiting all the stakeholders. Stress-free leadership can give your business a world-class reputation at the top of the marketplace.
