It is no secret that employers and managers are facing pretty unique and challenging times. Businesses worldwide are struggling to withstand the devastating effect that COVID-19 has on sales, productivity and sustainable business practices, and as a result, stress and especially burn-out are becoming more and more prevalent in the work environment. Research has proven that stress, fatigue and burn-out are directly linked to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity, both having a significant impact on your bottom line.

The reality is, from now onwards employees will become increasingly more dependent on their organisations to provide them with the right type of support when they experience symptoms of excessive stress and burn-out. The fact that support systems are being severely complicated by social distancing protocols leaves employees with very little alternative options to turn to for help.

Unfortunately, most employers and managers do not take the wellness of their employees seriously. Not because they do not care, but mostly because of the lack of strategies, resources and tools to assist their employees.

At Crowe DNA we understand the psychology of stress, and how burn-out can impact productivity and organisational culture. We, therefore, provide employers and managers with helpful tips, like the ones below, that will enable them to manage the stressors of their employees before it leads to burn-out and other health-related problems:

1. Create clarity – The human brain is wired for certainty and the lack thereof can lead to a perceived threat to survival, which puts the body in a fight or flight (survival) mode. This state is associated with increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and prevents employees from being fully engaged in their work. Providing clarity on goals and objectives creates certainty and enables employees to perform better.
2. Offer flexibility – Flexibility does not only provide employees with more control over their environment; it also allows them to practice the activities that will assist them in coping with their unique stressors. Whether it is exercising, spending time with family, or just getting a change in work scenery, countless studies provide evidence that flexibility managed in the right way increases loyalty, creativity and productivity.
3. Encourage movement – The virtual meeting culture that is emerging provides many benefits, but it does not promote movement. Movement is critical in providing oxygen to our brains, which helps us to think more clearly. Make sure your employees take frequent breaks during virtual meetings in order to maintain their focus and avoid fatigue.
4. Develop a wellness policy and program – These programs provide employees with a wide range of services, ranging from psychological counselling to financial and legal advice. A thoroughly communicated wellness policy will direct your staff to approach the right people at the times when it matters most. If you don’t have one yet, chances are you will be needing one soon.

Contact Crowe DNA if your business has not yet developed an employee wellness policy and program or if you would like to know more about the stress management webinar we offer to clients.