The reasons for employees under stress
Borneo Post Online, 6 March 2014
ALTHOUGH work can be challenging at times, it does not necessarily mean that employees need to constantly work under great stress. A reasonable amount of stress can actually help employees to stretch themselves and grow further. However, too much stress can result in an unhealthy working environment.
What are the contributing factors that cause employees to feel that they are under enormous stress all of the time?
The employees may have been given tasks that are way beyond their abilities. If the task assigned to them is overwhelming, they will feel lost and be unable to deliver the work required. Sometimes the employees may be given tasks that are not difficult but the workload is too much for them to handle. Even though some tasks may be easy, the employees will still need time to get them done. Hence, allocating the right number of tasks and the types of tasks that match the abilities of employees are keys to minimise stress.
When employers do not give clear instructions to the employees and at the same time, do not have a standard protocol for the execution of tasks, it can cause great stress to employees. The employees would be unsure of what the exact dos and don’ts are when carrying out certain tasks. Some days it may be fine to do things in a certain manner but on other days, they may be reprimanded for doing exactly the same thing. The employees constantly work under uncertainty and they are not sure what are the right things to do. Set up standard procedures and stick to them to help the employees carry out the job as expected without much fuss.
If employers are not aware of their employees’ abilities and interests, they might put them in charge of areas where they are incapable or have no desire to perform. No doubt employees are not allowed to choose to do only what they are interested in. Yet if employees have skills and interest in a certain field, it will definitely help to speed up the work and will result in greater efficiency and productivity.
Whenever employees have done a good job, the employers should be prompt in giving them due recognition. If employers never show any sign of approval but only criticise when the employees do something wrong, this will only dampen the spirit of employees. Hence, employers should motivate their employees by giving them due praise when they have done a good job and acknowledge their efforts when they have put in hard work.
The stress levels of employers actually contribute to the stress levels of their employees. Employers who are unable to manage their stress will cause great tension in the workplace. They may get moody at times and reprimand their staff without any valid reason. Some employers may get jumpy and irritated easily as they are unable to handle their stress well. Hence, employers should find ways to release their stress so that they do not create unnecessary stress for their employees.
A working environment that is not conducive can create great stress among employees. A cluttered workplace, excessive noise, pollution, politicking, and even uncomfortable office furniture are elements that contribute to a stressful and unhealthy working environment. Every company should ensure their employees are able to work in a safe, healthy and comfortable environment.
Some employers do not treat their employees with due respect. They treat them like second class citizens and feel as if employees owe them a favour. Although employers are the paymasters, employees do not just receive a salary without contributing any work. Employees have put in their effort and deserve both their pay as well as the respect of their employers for their skills, experience and contribution to the company. No matter how great employers may think they are, they would find it hard to be successful if there were no employees to make their ideas become a reality.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.
