Are your employees stressed out at work? If so, they might be feeling stress from the demands of the job itself, not you.

So what does this mean to managers? That depends on your department’s situation. It is very common (and normal) for employees to feel stress in the workplace. Here’s where your management skills can really help you and your employees shine. Take these steps to help ease employee stress:

1. Determine the cause. You already have a decent idea. Sit employees down for an informal chat. Tell them they seem stressed out lately and you are wondering if there’s a particular reason.
2. Make it about the employees. Be sure to express your concern for their well-being. Employees are more likely to open up when it’s about them and when they don’t feel like you’re interrogating them. Make it clear you want to help.
3. Ask for ideas to fix the problem. Find out from employees what they feel would make their work life easier. They have to be a part of finding the solution for it to be effective, and they will likely appreciate your asking their opinion on the matter.
4. Propose solutions. Because you previously had an idea of the problem before the meeting, you should have a few possible solutions in mind. Take into account what your employees have suggested, and ask them how they feel about trying the ideas.
5. Implement the proposals. Make sure you do what you said you would do. All your employees need to be able to trust you to follow through on your promises.
6. Follow up. Check back with your employees in a few weeks to see if there has been any change. If not, offer to take another look at the problem.

Filed under: Management Minute