Survivor's Strategy

You’ve heard the numbers. As of April 2009, the U.S. national unemployment rate was 8.9%, which constitutes 13.7 million workers out of work which is up from the prior month. These figures strike fear in employees and leaders alike but what turns fear into terror? Seeing it happen right before your eyes.

Watching fellow worker’s positions eliminated is extremely stressful for the workers left behind. Those remaining are made to feel they are the lucky ones. But these workers may not be feeling all that lucky. Eight-hour shifts now stretch into ten-hours or more. These employees have taken on the additional tasks and duties of those recently let go.

Dr. Jean-Pierre Brun in a study at the University of Laval in Quebec, showed the second highest cause of workplace stress was a lack of recognition. No recognition came only one place behind being overworked.

To help reduce employee stress leaders must improve the quality of recognition being delivered and create greater connection with each other.

Action Items

1. Allow your employees to connect with those around them. Increase the social aspect to break the intense level of pressure employees are feeling through lunches together or sports activities, etc. Don’t forget to connect yourself with employees by getting out on the floor and listening one on one and providing feedback.

2. Express appreciation every chance you can. Employees need to know you understand their feelings. Acknowledge the stress and pressure they are going through.