Right now, there's a good chance one of your top employees
is unhappy. They're struggling to make it through the workday without snapping,
filled with frustration and resentment for the company and its leadership team.
They're returning home each evening to unload all the gritty
details to their spouse who, undoubtedly, begins urging them to look for
another job. Eventually, they'll agree and begin sending out their resume,
interviewing and working with recruiters.
It's only a matter of time before a competitor offers them a
better opportunity. And bam! Just like that, you've lost another key player.
There are a number of reasons why a formerly satisfied team
member becomes unhappy with their job. And while some of these reasons are
personal and beyond your control, there are many ways you may be perpetuating
undue stress. To make matters worse, a 2014 study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found stress is
contagious.
Workplace stress is an epidemic, but it can be stopped. Here
are a few ways business leaders are stressing out their employees, and how you
can nip it in the bud to foster employee satisfaction and authentic
productivity.
1. A Lack of Transparency
As a leader, you make dozens of decisions every day. These
decisions range in importance and often you may feel they're irrelevant to your
employees' day-to-day duties. But letting your teams know what's happening
behind the scenes will fuel engagement, and help employees feel more committed
to your company's overarching goals. When you keep everything behind closed
doors, you run the risk of your team members feeling unimportant or
disconnected. A brief monthly or quarterly all-hands meeting can do wonders for
inspiring engagement.
2. No Career Trajectory
Does every employee at your company know what's on the
horizon as far as raises and promotions? If not, that's a problem. Not having a
clearly defined career trajectory can make employees feel dispensable.
Similarly, not knowing why they haven't been promoted or given a raise will
help them improve upon their areas of opportunity and grow as a professional.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
Goals are important, and it's great to shoot for the stars.
After all, some of the greatest business minds of our time realized their
dreams by achieving things others deemed impossible. But remember: While your
employees support your dreams, they're also here to earn a living. Constantly
setting unrealistic objectives will only make them feel defeated--especially if
they rely on hitting goals for monetary compensation.
4. Uncomfortable Office Space
When it comes to an ideal office environment, it's not just
about fancy standing desks and free coffee. Overcrowding, continuously occupied
conference rooms and a lack of private space threaten productivity and
frustrate your employees much more than not having unlimited snacks and a ping
pong table. By using space management technology and room reservation software,
you can ensure space is being used efficiently and avoid friction.
5. Harsh Consequences for Mistakes
No one is perfect. To err is human, and often it's in the
mistakes where the learning and magic happen. Disciplining employees for making
inconsequential mistakes will thwart creativity and innovation. Setting
parameters is important for keeping your teams on track, but don't let
employees live in fear of being fired for not getting everything right on the
first try.
6. Restricting Hours
Forcing all employees into a 9-to-5 mold can be dangerous.
Your early birds will be more efficient during the morning hours, but your
night owls will do their best work after dark--and forcing one into the other's
box can mean lower quality output. If your business model allows, provide
employees the opportunity to work flex hours. So long as projects are completed
on time and meets standards, it shouldn't matter how employees break up their
time.
7. Never Giving Them the Floor
From voicing concerns to offering feedback, your employees
are a gold mine of valuable information. Make sure they have a safe space to
say their piece. This could be accomplished by holding open office hours when
employees can schedule time with you or regularly sending out anonymous
surveys. Just be sure to show your teams you're listening and putting this
information to use, or they're unlikely to buy in. A certain amount of stress
is expected in an office environment. After all, it can be a powerful
motivator. But too much workplace stress can lead to burnout and
dissatisfaction.
Help your employees find their happy medium and you'll see
return in the form of better quality work, improved attitudes and increased
productivity.
Source: inc.com
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