Stress can and does make people behave poorly. Chances are high that most people do not start out that way. Unresolved issues, fatigue, family concerns, illness, job dissatisfaction and poor stress management skills are some of the things that create a slippery slope of bad behaviour.
In the workplace, this leads to a variety of concerns which eat into company profits and productivity. High absenteeism, unmet targets, low morale, lack of cooperation, diminished problem-solving skills and increasing short-term and long-term disability costs are just some of the reported issues of a stressed-out workforce.
What can you do to improve the situation? Train employees throughout the company in techniques from The Institute of HeartMath, brought to you by yours truly. The results are there:
Reductions:
- Anxiety - 60%
- Exhaustion - 45%
- Intent to Quit - 41%
Improvements:
- Listening Ability + 25%
- Ability to Focus + 24%
- Home & Work Conflict Resolution + 17%
Some employers are "naturals" at showing appreciation; Luis Rodrigues of Occumed Health has this to say on the subject:
"It's amazing to me how far a word of thanks can go. Just saying, 'Hey, thanks for doing [blank], I appreciated it,' goes a long way to creating employee goodwill. Some gesture of thanks on an occasional basis, helps to back that up.
At work, I think 'quality time' has a different context in that employees value the ability to do early getaways on weekends, etc. So, as a boss, my way of showing appreciation is to have days when we send people home with, 'Hey, thanks for staying late the other days for Project Y, why don't you take the afternoon off as my way of thanking you.
These days we give out gas cards and restaurant gift certificates as thanks - and we certainly hear about how much employees appreciated getting them."
Luis is using the power of his heart to show his employees that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.
Change the direction of the slide and move up the slope easily to effect positive changes in your work climate by implementing a short, targeted employee program.
HeartMath is a registered trademark of the Institute of HeartMath.
I am so glad you stopped by at our blog. I will most definitely share your blog with my readers. It is truly amazing how civility in the workplace, from everyone, not just boss to employee, can help to reduce workplace stress.
Your blog certainly sets the tone for a positive start to my day.
Marcie
Maricia, thanks for your kind words.
Having been one who has been ‘at the end of my rope’, I can’t stress enough (no pun intended!)the difference these techniques have made to me.
When we’re stressed, we have nothing left; even good manners can evaporate. So, despite ‘knowing’ better, there’s a disconnect between actions and behaviour. Unfortunately, that’s stress at work.
Finally, reading your comments this morning has started my day on a good note! 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to post.