Handle stress as a manager

Stress and work are inextricably connected, especially if you are pulled out of your comfort zone and given added responsibility, but managers can play an important role in helping workers cope.

This is the view of Georgina Barrick, MD of Cassel&Co and Insource ICT/IT Edge, specialised recruitment agencies in the Advtech Resourcing group.

“Someone given a new job or added responsibility may initially be anxious.

With some leadership guidance, support and encouragement, their anxiety will push them towards becoming more productive at the task, to reach a point where their understanding and enthusiasm make them excel,” she says. Barrick has the following advice:

As a manager, you need to understand ● stress and how members of your team will react to increased pressure;

Sometimes the workers who appear ● enthusiastic and ready for anything are the least prepared and the quiet ones will take to a new role like a duck to water;

Provide support to ensure your ● workers do not suffer silently until the burnout; and

Any change will involve stress — the ● important thing to remember is it must not become overwhelming.