Managers need to buffer staff from stress

Q: Our region has been understaffed and overworked for almost 18 months due to output demands and a head count freeze. My staff is burned out, tempers are flaring and productivity is dropping. How can I reduce the stress when I can’t hire?

A: The high price of stress includes errors in judgment, interpersonal conflicts, increased complaints and absenteeism.

Stress caused by organizational issues or poor leadership decisions can be mitigated by ensuring staff perceive their work as meaningful and valuable.

Managers may unknowingly contribute to employees’ stress by treating all assignments as urgent and pressure employees to meet unnecessary deadlines.

Recognize the volume and intensity of the workloads. Multiple assignments increase stress. Set realistic expectations and deadlines. Prioritize and provide clear instructions so staff can make effective choices. Streamline or eliminate extraneous steps.

Micromanaging also causes undue stress, as staff feels controlled and stifled. Develop employees’ skills and abilities so they work independently to achieve their own success. Assign tasks and responsibilities that play to employees’ strengths. Recognize their accomplishments.

Studies show that the leader’s energy is contagious. Humour and fun increase positivity. Managers who take their jobs and themselves too seriously risk depleting their workforce.

Encourage staff to take lunch and breaks to recharge and connect with colleagues. Flexible hours or telecommuting gives employees autonomy. Time off enables them to return refreshed and more motivated. Without any vacations, staff will begin performing worse and working more slowly.

Invite staff to face-to-face meetings to discuss and diffuse conflicts. Validating their viewpoints serves as a safety valve to vent their fear, frustration and concerns. Managers must also buffer their staff from the stress produced by those higher in the chain of command.

Managers who communicate with their staff fairly, openly and honestly can preserve a cohesive productive workplace.

Joni Mar is a Vancouver-based Master Certified Executive coach. You can reach her at Jonimar.com or 604-261-3809.