One of the most common reasons employees experience workplace stress is because of their relationships with their managers. In fact, a study by the University of South Wales found that nearly half of workers have left a job because of their boss.
If you’re a manager, it’s important to be aware of the signs that your employees are stressed, as well as the factors that may be causing it. Here are some tips on how to handle workplace stress as a manager:
Understand the signs of stress
It’s important to be able to recognize the signs that your employees are stressed. Some common physical signs include increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and more accidents or errors. Behavioral changes can include increased irritability, social withdrawal, and changes in eating or sleeping habits.
If you notice any of these changes in your employees, it’s important to take action. First, try to identify the source of the stress. Is there a particular project that’s causing undue pressure? Are there personal issues that are affecting their work? Once you’ve identified the cause, you can start working on a solution.
Track the stressors in the workplace.
If you notice that workplace stress is becoming a problem for your employees, it’s important to track the various stressors in the workplace. This will help you identify patterns and pinpoint the causes of stress.
There are a number of ways to track workplace stressors. You can ask your employees to fill out a survey or questionnaire, or you can keep a log yourself. Be sure to include questions about both physical and psychological stressors.
Create a supportive environment
As a manager, one of your most important roles is to create a supportive environment for your team. This means being available to lend a listening ear and offering help and advice when needed. It also means setting realistic expectations and deadlines and providing adequate resources.
When workplace stress is caused by things like unrealistic deadlines or insufficient resources, it’s important to take steps to correct the situation. This sends a message to your employees that you’re concerned about their well-being and are willing to make changes to help them succeed.
Encourage healthy coping mechanisms
It’s also important to encourage healthy coping mechanisms among your employees. This could involve things like encouraging them to take breaks, providing access to mental health resources, or allowing flexible work schedules.
Take time to recharge and think.
Workplace stress can be contagious, so it’s important to take care of yourself as well. This means making time for things like exercise, relaxation, and social activities outside of work.
Establish boundaries.
It’s also important to establish boundaries between your work life and personal life. This means setting aside time each day to disconnect from work and focus on other things. It also means being clear about when you’re available to talk about work-related issues, and when you’re not.
Provide mental health wellness programs and education.
One of the best things you can do as a manager is to provide your employees with access to mental health wellness programs and education. This can help them learn about healthy coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and more.
Lead by example
Finally, remember that as a manager, you’re also an employee. It’s important to lead by example by managing your own stress levels and modeling healthy coping mechanisms. If you’re constantly stressed out and burned out, it’s likely that your team will be as well.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce workplace stress for both yourself and your employees. Creating a supportive environment and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms will go a long way in promoting a healthy workplace.
Conclusion
Workplace stress is a common issue that managers must deal with. By being aware of the signs of stress, establishing a supportive environment, and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms, managers can help reduce workplace stress for both themselves and their employees.
Moreover, as a manager, you should also continue to get courses that can help you become a more effective leader in the workplace. There are tons of courses you can take, all you need to do is to find the right course provider. If you need to undergo a managerial course that can help you manage workplace stress, Real Skills UK is the best to call. Contact us for more information.