If you’re like most business owners, you want your management team to be top-notch. But what if you’re not sure how to identify signs of stress in your management team? Or worse, what if you don’t know how to help them? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 10 causes of stress at work and how to identify stress in your managers. We’ll also give you some tips on how to help them deal with their stress. Keep reading for more information!
Do you have a management team that seems to be struggling? You’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent study, nearly 60% of managers say they’re stressed at work. But what exactly causes this stress? And more importantly, how can you help your managers deal with it?
What are the top 10 stressors for managers at work?
Many factors can contribute to stress in the workplace, but some are more common than others. Here are the top ten causes of stress for managers, according to the aforementioned study:
Having too much work and not enough time to complete it
The top cause of stress at work is having too much work and not enough time to complete it. This can lead to managers feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed. If you notice your managers are struggling to keep up with their workload, it’s important to try to help them.
Not having enough resources to do their job properly
This can lead to managers feeling like they’re constantly playing catch-up and not being able to get ahead. If you notice your managers are always frazzled and seem to be constantly putting out fires, it may be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
Being understaffed
Stress for managers can result from having too few employees because they must assume additional responsibilities and work longer hours. This can also contribute to a drop in productivity and morale, as well as an increase in mistakes or accidents. Being understaffed may be very costly in the long run for a business.
Having to work long hours
Working long hours can lead to stress because it leaves little time for managers to take care of themselves. This can lead to burnout, which is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. If you notice your managers are working long hours on a regular basis, it’s important to have a conversation with them to see how you can help.
Dealing with difficult employees
This can be a major source of stress for managers because they may feel like they’re constantly walking on eggshells.
Dealing with difficult customers
This can be a major source of stress for managers because they may feel like they’re constantly trying to please everyone.
Poor communication from upper management
This can lead to managers feeling like they’re in the dark and not being able to make decisions. This can also contribute to a lack of trust and respect. If you notice your managers are struggling to communicate with upper management, it’s important to have a conversation with them to see how you can help.
Lack of support from upper management
One of the top causes of stress for managers is a lack of support from upper management. This can manifest itself in many different ways, but some common signs include micromanagement, unrealistic deadlines, and a general feeling of being undervalued or unappreciated.
This can lead to managers feeling like they’re on their own and not having anyone to turn to. This can also contribute to a lack of trust and respect.
Unrealistic deadlines
This can lead to managers feeling like they’re constantly under pressure and not being able to meet everyone’s expectations. One way to help alleviate this pressure is to have a conversation with your manager about what realistic deadlines would look like. This can help take some of the guesswork out of the equation and give them a better idea of what they can reasonably accomplish.
Feeling like their job is in danger of being downsized or eliminated
This can lead to managers feeling like they have no control over their future. They may start to feel anxious and stressed about their job security. This can lead to them feeling less engaged at work and may even start to affect their performance.
Is stress experienced differently by men and women?
Anxiety symptoms in men may manifest as anger, aggression, or a lack of motivation. They may withdraw from their family and friends or become more irritable and impatient. For women, stress may manifest as anxiety, depression, or exhaustion. They may have difficulty concentrating, or feel overwhelmed and hopeless.
So, what can you do to help your stressed-out managers?
Here are a few suggestions:
- Encourage them to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
- Make sure they’re taking time for themselves outside of work. This could include things like going for walks, taking vacations, or spending time with family and friends.
- Help them find ways to manage their time more effectively. This could include things like delegating tasks, setting priorities, and creating to-do lists.
- Encourage them to practice healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling.
- Suggest they seek out professional help if they’re struggling to cope with their stress on their own.
If you’re noticing any signs of stress in your management team, don’t hesitate to take action. These simple steps can help reduce the amount of stress they’re feeling and improve their overall well-being.
What resources are available to assist managers in coping with stress?
If you’re not sure how to help your managers deal with their stress, there are plenty of resources available. There are books, articles, blog posts, and even online courses that can provide you with tips and advice. The important thing is that you take action and do something to help your team. With a little effort, you can make a big difference in their overall stress levels.
The following are some must-read books on how to deal with job stress
- “Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs” by Steve Cuss
- “Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Employers and Employees” by Gill Hasson
- “Performance Under Pressure: Managing Stress in the Workplace” by Heidi Wenk Sormaz Ph.D.
Do you have any tips or advice on how to deal with stress in the workplace? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below or contact us today. Thanks for reading!