#1 – POOR LEADERSHIP Define Leadership Structure
A lack of understanding the leadership structure can create stress. Clearly defining your leadership structure helps everyone understand who reports to whom, leading to less conflict, improved pro- ductivity and morale, and contributing to a more relaxed work environment.
Provide Feedback
Employees who don’t receive feedback may worry about their job performance, even when they are doing well. When leaders offer encouragement, employees feel reassured and are more likely to communicate with them, especially during diffi- cult challenges. Employees need to know where they are exceeding expectations or can improve. Conducting regular performance reviews and involving employees in the process will improve relationships and increase job satisfaction.
Share the Company Vision
When employees understand the company vision, they can see how their efforts fit into the big pic- ture, making it easier for them to focus their en- ergy on helping to achieve company goals. Under- standing and working toward a shared vision gives work a higher meaning, improves performance and reduces stress.
Recognize Contribution to Company Success When employees understand how their role fits with company goals, they will be more likely to engage, contribute and develop a sense of control over their work duties. Make sure employees know the company goals and have a chance to identify ways they can contribute. Leaders should also reinforce the importance of employee roles when they praise employees, since this recognition can result in increased security and productivity, and can decrease stress.
Detail Job Responsibilities
It is stressful when job expectations are confus- ing. When employees understand job responsi- bilities, they will feel calmer and perform better. Make sure every employee has a specific job de- scription that they helped create. It should outline daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly responsi- bilities. Ensure the job description provides the employee with a chance to grow and be rewarded.
#2 – UNHEALTHY WORKLOADS
Offer Reasonable Work Shifts Too many hours of demanding work can wear down and exhaust employees. Everyone needs time away from work to rest, recharge, and take care of other duties. A work/life balance helps maintain physical and emotional health and improves productivity, reducing the risk of work injuries.
Encourage Breaks
Short breaks throughout the day allow employees to recharge and refocus and regular breaks help them work more effectively. And when leaders take breaks and invite others to join, they likely will. Walk for five minutes, stretch, get some fresh air, meditate, listen to music, or even just get a glass of water. It is also important to encourage employees to get away from their desks during the lunch hour.
Assign Challenging, Not Overwhelming Tasks
Employees need to be challenged but not over- loaded. Challenge helps them develop skills, makes work interesting and helps maintain moti- vation. However, it is impossible to perform well for extended periods of time when workloads are too heavy. Working this way can lead to irritability, exhaustion, reduced productivity and ultimately, illness or injury. Give employees the option to call “time out” when they feel overwhelmed. This will help establish a norm of working smarter, not harder.
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