How well do you know your workers? Many people, perhaps most, live complex, chaotic and often conflicted lives. Several people experiencing such pressures would number among your own workforce. Here are some of the common challenges and concerns many of today\u2019s employees and their families face:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result of the volume of all this stress (and many workers are coping with multiple stressors) it\u2019s no wonder so many look to their workplace as an escape, a respite. But how much of a haven is it? If your workplace causes additional unnecessary stress to your employees\u2019 lives it just might become the tipping point that brings some to breaking point or resign and work with a more understanding employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some ways managers and leaders can help their workplaces be more of a haven that an additional hassle for their employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Listen<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listening at depth to your people using such listening skills as paraphrase and perception check is critical. (See my previous article \u201cIt Pays to Listen\u201d on this site for further information.) Listening opportunities need to be both structured and unstructured. Structured opportunities between manager and direct report can best happen through regular (ideally weekly or fortnightly) one on one sessions. Unstructured listening opportunities can be encouraged through adopting and communicating such practices as managers having an open door policy (i.e. leaving their office doors open to indicate they are available). For employees to be willing to share personal concerns they need to be able to trust and respect their boss. That happens when they experience their manager as trustworthy and caring – genuine listening is a powerful way to engender trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Social Spaces<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Establishing relaxed spaces where employees can socialise and build relationships is another method for facilitating community. Examples would include lunch rooms, cafes or recreation facilities employees could use during break times. In one place where I worked all who were in the office at the time, from the CEO to receptionists, would gather together for morning coffee not to discuss work but to share life together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Team Meetings<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Providing at the start of team meetings the opportunity for members to share something of their life, interests or concerns they feel comfortable about is an effective way to build team spirit. To introduce the practice, I\u2019ve found open questions such as \u2018My favourite \u2026 is\u2026\u2019 (eg. time of the year, pet as a child, holiday venue) and \u2018If I had\/could \u2026 I would\u2026\u2019 (eg. $1,000,000, travel anywhere in the world, play 1 musical instrument) are good ice breakers to use. Naturally, participation must be voluntary with people knowing it is okay to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Flexible Work Schedules<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the big changes that has resulted from Covid lockdowns is the desire among many employees for hybrid work. (Of course several occupations such as restaurant, transport, factory, and retail positions do not lend themselves to remote work.) However where it is feasible many organisations are allowing employees to work remotely 1-2 days per week. And that doesn\u2019t mean it has to be from their homes if their homes are unsafe or otherwise a difficult venue. Such provision enables workers to better manage their personal lives and family needs and thereby reduce their stress levels. A variation under this heading is permission for employees to arrive and leave work outside of peak hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does all this sounds like excessive pandering to employees? After all they are paid to work when required so surely they should cope or go elsewhere. If that\u2019s your attitude then that\u2019s what\u2019s likely to happen. Research shows that employers who provide as much as possible for their workers\u2019 needs have less resignations, higher job satisfaction levels and better productivity outcomes. What can your organisation do to make your workplace less of a hassle and more of a haven for your staff?<\/p>\n\n\n\n