If you are looking for advice on how to cope with job stress in these tough economic times, take the time to listen to noted motivational speaker, Joel Zeff. Joel’s innovative philosophy and positive approach will open the possibilities for any overwhelmed employee to learn how to cope with job stress.
Your company's third round of layoffs is on the horizon, your boss is barking out demands with heightened urgency, and your staff is worn-out, nervous and afraid they're next in line to be the one to go. It's your job to encourage them, continue to meet ever-increasing demands and bring your projects in under budget and on time. Now with the recession, this all too familiar scenario is now a daily reality for many managers.
It’s hard to have fun at work during stressful times. Your stress builds after each media report about the recession. You start hearing whispers of a merger, layoff or the all encompassing “restructuring.” Your manager does not listen. Your customers don’t listen. The guy that sells sandwiches in the lobby does not listen. Maybe it is just easier to be cranky.
We are all facing challenges. Today, the economy is our main concern. Tomorrow, there will be other obstacles. How do we continue to motivate and energize our employees during difficult times?
1. Tell your co-workers you appreciate them. We all want positive support at work. When we don’t receive appreciation and thanks, we are not very happy. You know how you feel when someone says, “You made a difference,” or “Great job,” or “I really appreciate your help.” You get an incredible feeling right in the middle of your chest. Giving that feeling is a gift. And it doesn’t take a budget, plan, or approval. It just takes a few seconds from your day. When you go home from work, think about all of the people you had contact with that day. Did you give all of them the appreciation and positive support they deserved? If you didn’t, there is always tomorrow.
2. Create opportunity. We all want the same things from our jobs: opportunity and positive support. We may want the opportunity to be creative; to be a leader; to help people; or to make more money. When we don’t receive opportunity and positive support, we are not very happy. Figure out what kind of opportunity you want from your job. Make sure your employer understands what you need to be happy. Again, stand up and say something. As a manager, talk to your employees about the opportunities they want today, next month and next year. Together, figure out a way to give them those opportunities.
3. Be a better listener. Everyone thinks they are good listeners. In reality, we get into bad habits that prevent us from being good, active listeners. We multi-task. We wait to talk. We play solitaire on our computer during a conference call. Pay attention to your listening skills. When we listen, we are more effective as a team; we are better communicators; we are more productive; and we have more fun. Listening to each other every day will change our work environment faster than any pizza party, softball game or team building event where you make boats out of cardboard boxes, aluminum foil and paper towels.
Use these tips to learn how to cope with job stress. Help make sure your employees are prepared for an economic upswing, instead of dwelling on the current economic situation. You can also visit Joel’s blog to learn more about how to cope with job stress.
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