It is inevitable that at some point during our careers, we will face high levels of stress. Whether it is due to a looming deadline, a demanding client, or simply the pressures of day-to-day work, stress is something that we all have to deal with from time to time.
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When stress levels in your team start to become unmanageable, it can have a negative impact on both the individual members of your team and the team as a whole. High levels of stress can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and an overall deterioration in team morale.
Recognize signs of stress
As a manager, you can be one of the first to become aware of unhealthy stress levels in your team. By recognizing the signs early on, you can take steps to mitigate the stressors and help your team members get back on track. Some common signs that stress levels in your team are becoming unmanageable include:
1. Increased absenteeism
If you observe that employees are frequently absent or phoning in sick, they might be experiencing too much stress from work.
2. Reduced productivity
If you notice that your team members are dragging their feet on tasks or making more mistakes than usual, it could be a sign that they're feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus.
3. Increased conflict between team members
If arguments are suddenly more frequent or if team members seem to be in conflict with each other more often, it might mean that the stress levels have become too high to manage.
4. Decreased team morale
If you've noticed your team seems more negative and less engaged at work, the stress may be affecting morale.
5. More mistakes being made
If team members are making more blunders than usual, it's a possible indication that they're rushing through their tasks and neglecting important details.
6. Withdrawal from social activities
If team members appear to be withdrawing from social activities outside of work and are no longer participating in them, it might be an indication that they are having trouble handling their job stress.
7. Increased anxiety or irritability
If team members seem more anxious or irritable than usual, it could be a sign that they are struggling to cope with the stress of work.
8. Physical symptoms of stress
It's possible that team members are struggling to cope with the stress of work when they start to have physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches, stomach issues, or chest discomfort.
If you start to notice any of these signs, it is important to take action to address the underlying causes of stress in your team.
Managing stress levels
There are a number of things that you can do to help reduce the stress levels in your team and get them back on track. Some helpful tips for managing stress levels in your team include:
1. Regularly check-ins with team members
Make it a point to regularly check in with your team members to see how they are doing. This will help you to identify any potential stressors early on and take steps to mitigate them.
2. Encourage breaks and time off
When team members are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to encourage them to take breaks and use their holiday days. This will help them to recharge and come back feeling refreshed.
3. Encourage open communication
Encourage your team members to openly communicate with you about any stressors they are facing. By being aware of the issues that are causing stress, you can take steps to mitigate them. Additionally, simply knowing that you are there to listen and support them can be a huge relief for team members who are struggling.
4. Promote a healthy work-life balance
Encourage your team members to take breaks, step away from their desks, and take time for themselves outside of work. It is important that they maintain a healthy work-life balance in order to avoid burnout.
5. Create a positive work environment
Make sure that your team members feel comfortable and supported in their work environment. Encourage a positive, open, and friendly atmosphere in the office.
6. Be flexible with deadlines
Where possible, be flexible with deadlines and give your team members some breathing room. If a project can be completed a few days later without any negative consequences, then it may be worth extending the deadline to ease the pressure on your team. Also, aim to set realistic deadlines from the start to avoid extra pressure on the team.
7. Offer support
Make sure that your team members know that they can come to you for support and advice whenever they need it. Let them know that you are there to help them through any tough times.
8. Delegate tasks
Whenever possible, delegate tasks to other team members to lighten the load on those who are feeling overwhelmed. This will help to evenly distribute the work and prevent any one person from feeling overburdened.
9. Seek professional help
If the stress levels in your team are becoming unmanageable, it may be time to seek professional help. There are a number of professionals who can help you to identify and address the underlying causes of stress in your team. You can ask for help from your company physician or workability specialist.
Things to take-away
- Taking action to address the stress levels in your team is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.
- There are a number of things that you can do to help reduce the stress levels in your team, such as: Regularly checking in with team members, encouraging breaks and time off and promoting a healthy work-life balance
- If the stress levels in your team are becoming unmanageable, it may be time to seek professional help.
