Managing a stressed workforce

The majority of Australians are stressed at work in a development that requires bosses to step in and help calm their workplaces down, James Adonis writes in The Age.

Citing a recent lifeline survey that indicates 90 per cent of Australians feel stressed largely due to work, Adonis claims managers cannot afford to be in denial about stress levels.

Once signs of stressed-related behaviour, such as negative attitudes, absenteeism and bouts of unexpected crying, are identified it's suggested some of the following actions are taken:

• Check deadlines - are you inadvertently placing unreasonable time pressures on staff?
• Micromanaging mayhem - it's claimed workers often become anxious when they feel they don't have control over their work
• Be resourceful - ensure workers have the resources they need to cope; consider stress management training or even yoga sessions
• Under the influence - your behaviour may be contributing to the problem as workers often mimic their manager's stress levels

More of Adonis' tips can be found here.

Comments

[Business Communication]

People are breaking down in tears? That's interesting. I wonder how common it is in the US comparatively. When tears happen in the white collar work place, it is seen as letting one's facade down- almost a lack of personal control. Do we have some statistics about men vs. women here. Just curious.