What role should managers play in stress management?
Written by
David Nelson
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Managers are the front-line stress managers and are uniquely positioned to influence team health. The combined effects of your actions and decisions are felt by employees in greater measure than any policy document. Management by example provides employees with a sense of psychological safety, allowing them to thrive. This leadership role requires unique skills and constant attention.
Regular workload assessments avert burnout before it occurs. Schedule bi-weekly check-ins with easy templates. Use graphics to track task completion rates. One software team using this method was able to cut overtime by 40%. When signs of overwhelm occur, redistribute assignments immediately. Your watchfulness protects team capacity.
Boundary Modeling
- Demonstrate email curfews after work hours visibly
- Take lunch breaks away from desks consistently
- Publicly respect vacation time without contact
Support Training
- Complete active listening certification quarterly
- Practice non-judgmental response techniques
- Learn stress symptom recognition protocols
Resource Advocacy
- Promote EAP services during team meetings
- Share mindfulness app recommendations personally
- Normalize therapy benefits in one-on-ones
Active listening skills will change the way you help team members who are struggling. You will learn open-ended questions and reflection techniques. For example, one retail manager was able to reduce turnover by 31% after learning these skills. When an employee comes to you with a challenge, respond without judgment to promote an early intervention process that allows you to be more approachable and effective.
During team meetings, advocate for genuine organizational resources. Speak about your own experiences with counseling or apps. One manufacturing leader increased EAP usage by 300% by mentioning his sessions! Implement one leadership exercise today. The healthy well-being of your team depends on this steady example that you set.
Read the full article: Effective Stress Management at Work Techniques
