Knowing how to manage stress effectively makes all the difference between an effective and an ineffective workforce. It is also a major step towards supporting your staff in encouraging a healthy approach to mental health. However, the debate over whether these stress management techniques should be implemented at work rages on. Here’s a few of the main pros and cons…
Identifying triggers
Offering stress management training is a great way to identify any triggers which regularly occur at work, and will therefore help lead to a healthier overall working environment. If you are repeatedly told the same thing by multiple members of staff, it is likely this is a big problem, but one which can be solved (or at least managed).
It is however worth noting that the same benefit could also be an issue if these stress triggers are not able to be either removed or alleviated after they have been identified. Often, we are not aware of our own ‘triggers’ until they are pointed out to us. Be aware that stress management training may require a few changes to be made within the workplace.
Encouraging openness
Implementing stress management techniques at work also acknowledges that the workplace can be a stressful place, and therefore prompts your workforce to be a little more open with their feelings.
When managed properly, this could have a fantastic impact upon productivity and staff cohesion, as it allows both the management team and fellow colleagues to acknowledge one another as individuals, as well as a workforce.
Be sure to keep any boundaries in place which are necessary to run the company effectively, as whilst it is important for businesses to be more open with their staff, it is also vital to be consistent in your approach.
Avoiding arguments
Knowing how to handle stress will help to diffuse tension at work and could therefore lead to fewer disputes amongst colleagues. In any culture where productivity is key, this can only be seen as a significant benefit for both the employee and the employer.
To really benefit from this aspect, it is vital that your stress management sessions are well organised, otherwise they could ultimately result in your workforce becoming agitated without clear resolution or knowledge of how to deal with any feelings which are prompted by the training itself.
Clearer requirements
Stress management training is also a way to make clear what boundaries staff should set for themselves to help achieve a work-life balance, and ensures they have a better idea of what is truly required of them. Many problems at work are caused simply by a lack of communication, but such techniques will help to break down the barriers.
Teaching stress management techniques could however lead to less time spent on getting work done. In order to avoid this, it is important to establish clear timings and scheduling for these sessions and ensure that they don’t overtake other areas of the business.
Do you teach stress management at your place of business?
