Collectively, we are experiencing some of the highest levels of anxiety in the year 2020. It makes sense. We’re faced with uncertainty every day over multiple concerns, so of course we’re feeling anxious. We may also be feeling grief or fear or other emotions that amp up stress levels and cause anxiety. If you see your employees expressing anxious behavior, what can you do as a manager? Here are a few suggestions to help you provide a safe, calm, and healthy work environment.
Make Wellbeing a Priority
Important all the time, but especially in today’s climate, is to focus on your employees’ wellbeing. They must know you value their mental health as well as you value their skills and abilities. With job-related stress responsible for multiple long-term health complications, make sure you give your employees the tools they need to reduce anxiety on the job and off.
Share Accurate and Transparent Information
Don’t let a lack of information and security be a reason that someone experiences anxiety. Let them know what’s going on with the company, projects, clients, and more at all times. Best case, things are going great, and this boost of good news will improve their mood. But even if things aren’t going well, sharing it will allow for your team to feel less out of control. It may also help the business get new ideas for improvement.
Learn to Spot the Symptoms
While you’d like your employees to self-regulate their stress and anxiety, it isn’t always possible when they’re feeling things spiral. As a manager, you should also be looking out for the signs of anxiety that may contribute to poor performance or career burnout. They include:
- Irrational or excessive worrying
- Exhaustion from lack of sleep
- Easily startled
- Jittery or nervous behavior
- Confusion causing simple mistakes
Communicate Your Support or Benefit Plan Programs
The important part of recognizing the signs of anxiety on the job is not to punish your employees but to support them. Share with your team the access they have to programs through your benefits plan or other resources the company can provide. Always be sure to support your employees through these times and give them the space and time they need to heal.
Demonstrate Empathy
One of the most important things you can do as a manager is to practice empathy. Simply putting yourself in someone else’s shoes can help you understand where they’re coming from and be better able to provide support, tools, resources, and other help.
Partner With a Leading Customer Service Staffing Agency in Phoenix
Help your employees feel less anxious by hiring temporary help when you’re faced with a staffing shortage. Contact CornerStone Staffing now to start the conversation.
