Realistic stress management practices for high performers
It’s no wonder that motivated employees often sacrifice their own well-being to go above and beyond in their roles. But the desire to constantly excel and exceed expectations can have dire consequences, both mentally and physically. As leaders, our job is to guide our employees in building healthy, sustainable work habits that will serve them well in the long run. Therefore, viable and realistic stress management techniques should be an essential aspect of a leader’s job and the cornerstone of a health-conscious, people-first organizational culture.
Of course, not all stress management techniques can fit into the lives of busy professionals. Finding time to meditate between hour-long meetings is not a priority. That’s why we created a blueprint for people who lead high-performing teams. These tips include practices you can make part of your employees’ daily lives without disrupting their workflow and, of course, putting their health on the back burner.
The dangers of ignoring team health
We have all made sacrifices in pursuit of our goals. But sacrificing your physical and mental health in pursuit of the next milestone can be counterproductive in the long run, leading to burnout, decreased productivity, poor communication, and turnover. Additionally, burnt out employees greatly contribute to an unhealthy work culture. But in most cases, burnout is caused by an unhealthy work culture itself.
It’s not uncommon to see employers advertising fast-paced environments in job postings. And obviously, many industries are fast-paced by design, so you can’t expect a thriving marketing agency to go slow and steady. Still, it is up to leadership to ensure that this fast pace does not have negative consequences. Leaders need to take a proactive stance against organizational practices that induce burnout and ensure that their teams have the skills and knowledge to address the signs when they emerge. Ultimately, by recognizing these metrics and the value of stress management, leaders can pursue a better environment for their employees, create appropriate support channels, and help prevent long-term effects on their teams and organizations. They will be able to intervene if necessary.
Common Signs of Burnout to Watch Out for Difficulty concentrating: Employees may have difficulty starting or finishing tasks, especially if they’re multitasking beyond their bandwidth. Feeling tired: Persistent mental and physical fatigue is a surefire way to determine burnout. So let’s take a closer look. Are your employees limping to work each morning? Lack of motivation: Prolonged stress can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and disengagement, leading to low staff motivation and morale. Decreased productivity and quality of work: Burnout often leads to decreased efficiency, with employees struggling to meet deadlines and maintain quality of work. Disengagement and absenteeism: Feeling disconnected from work is a clear sign that reflects apathy, disengagement, or loss of passion for your role.
6 Practical Stress Management Techniques and Practices for Busy Teams
1. Time management training
Time management skills are essential to becoming a professional, but they are typically not included in traditional training curricula. Effective prioritization, dealing with distractions, and maintaining self-awareness to recognize when you are nearing your full potential are essential attributes that all leaders should teach their teams. Additionally, time management training can help employees develop skills to effectively handle their workload, maintain a high quality baseline of work product, and reduce procrastination and feelings of overwhelm.
2. Flexible work schedule
With remote work and hybrid work models becoming a trend, flexible schedules are a must. Taking charge of your personal and professional responsibilities can significantly reduce anxiety and burnout. It also allows employees to work during their most productive hours, giving them a sense of control over their schedules. This flexibility not only shows them that you are committed to their personal and professional well-being; It also explains the importance of work-life balance. No matter how fast-paced your work environment is, it should always be a priority.
3. Effective delegation
Thinking in terms of time management training mentioned above, effective delegation should be at the top of your list as a team leader. As market demands and competition become more demanding and work piles up, delegation becomes critical to ensuring timely and quality task completion. In some cases, team members may be better skilled at handling certain tasks, but they may not have the bandwidth to try new things. When assigning to-do lists, be aware of your team’s boundaries by fostering an environment of open communication and transparency. Indicate to employees that there will be no retaliation if there is no scope for taking on additional responsibilities.
4. Healthy Leadership Practices
What qualities must a leader possess to contribute to a healthy workplace?Admittedly, healthy leadership practices are not actual stress management techniques, but they are important for team well-being and Directly correlated. Ensuring healthy leadership requires focusing energy on building strong connections with all team members, with ownership and accountability, appreciation and recognition playing a central role. So let’s take a moment and reflect. Ask yourself what your role is within this team and how you contribute to its success and well-being. How can I become a better leader and reduce pressure from my team members?
5. Mental health awareness training
You can’t do much more if your employees’ mental health is ignored. Emotions and mental state are the determining factors when it comes to productivity and efficiency. You can’t expect your team to give 100% if you don’t invest in their emotional and mental well-being. Tackle these areas requires expertise, so take the time to consult an expert. Begin training employees on emotional regulation, mindfulness, self-awareness, and positive inner dialogue, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. This type of training is still rare these days, but it’s a good way to show your team that you care and that you’re a great investment in their overall well-being.
6. Mental health benefits
To showcase your commitment to employee mental health, consider offering employee benefits like virtual mental health support, voluntary time off, counseling, and mental health days. Such initiatives provide children with the means to express themselves freely, experience their emotions, and learn how to ask for help when needed. It also helps foster a broader organizational culture that emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and values employees and their contributions, while prioritizing and investing in long-term prosperity.
conclusion
Leaders must do their best to ensure a healthy and stress-free environment for their employees. Those who work in fast-paced industries don’t always have the luxury of following traditional health habits during their busy workdays, but there are other, more viable options. The stress management techniques mentioned above serve just this purpose. These are designed to fit into busy schedules and promote mental health awareness in corporate environments to improve productivity and ensure work-life balance for energetic and dedicated employees. .
