Can you see when your employees are stressed?

So what are you going to do about it? Business large and small are feeling tense at the moment and some are rising to the challenge whilst others have descended into tension filled spaces. Can you spot if your employees are stressed?

Here are some signs to look out for.

1. Increased gossiping - office gossip is a way of life in most organizations but the level I'm talking about here is much higher. Lots of whispering behind closed doors and furtive looks. This is likely because of job insecurity with the current climate but whatever the reason, its destructive if it continues and can add to the tension.
Solution - be more open with employees about what's happening and keep them as much in the loop as you can so you reduce the amount of speculation. Initiate a group outing - even if it's just a quick get together after work or a lunch.

2. Tension in the air - you can feel it when you walk into certain workplaces and it's almost tangible. When people feel insecure and unhappy, the atmosphere is pretty toxic for everyone else. The problem is when clients pick up on the low morale, it can only reflect badly on your company.
Solution - Talk to your employees or get a manager to keep talking to them so they feel valued and appreciated. Morale can be raised easily with a little recognition.

3. Lack of productivity - is productivity down? Are your employees a little unfocused? Lost their drive?
Solution - Kick start the competitiveness amongst your teams again with some 'friendly' sports and games. Confronting competitiveness directly can seem a little intimidating and sports is the perfect way to get people to unleash it without feeling so self conscious. Get your teams working as teams again.

4. Absenteeism up - or performance down. When employees get sick, it can have a real knock on effect to their work schedules but when they feel guilty about being off sick, it can sometimes be just as disruptive if they are not well enough to be in the office and are under performing. Keep your office a healthy, motivated place.
Solution - organize yoga classes after hours or in lunch times which help to relax, de-stress and refresh your employees. these can be easy and cheap to set up and with discounted rates for your teams, they'll feel valued and invigorated.

If you think your business could benefit from any of these wellness suggestions, please contact Jeff at The Tonic.

Photograph by programwitch (flickr)

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Why your boss behaves like an animal

This new report will come as no surprise to anyone who works with a male boss who is partial to a bit of preening and showing off in the office. Real I Am The Man behaviour.

"a boss who struts around the office, preening himself and puffing out his chest, showing off a splash of colour – perhaps a red tie? According to a study of male managers, he is behaving like much of the animal kingdom, particularly monkeys and chimpanzees."

So what does it say about them and what's the best way to handle a boss who's a chest thumper?

You know the kind of boss -

"they have bigger chairs than everyone else, speak more loudly and interrupt more frequently. They lace their conversation with management jargon and acronyms, in order to confound people. They spend most of the day in meetings, jealously guard their personal space (office with view), and show off their superior gadgetry, including cars and mobile phone."

But why do they behave like this? According to this new report, they do it because it's in their genes. They have a need to preserve themselves, defend themselves and let other potential threats know who's boss - just as monkeys in the wild need to protect their tribe.

My advice on how to handle these office peacocks? 

1. Play them at their game. 

2. When they talk about how much they know, they need an audience so listen and nod in the appropriate place. 

3. When they interrupt you when you're talking, let them and wait for a suitable moment to finish your point. They will interpret this as respect.

4. Flatter them when you can. 

All of this may feel a little fake but what it will do for you is remove you as a threat to them as they'll feel they've enchanted you and then, they'll most likely ignore you and let you get on with what you're really paid to do. Trust me, it works.


Photograph by Ben30 (flickr)

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