Questions for managers:

Differences in management style can have an important effect on stress levels in staff. Organisations which involve and invite staff to participate in decisions and changes are more successful in maintaining motivation and morale and in keeping stress levels low.To function well staff require variety and involvement in their work. The ability to express and deal with feelings in a culture  where openness and communication  between managers and staff is encouraged can have a very positive effect on individuals. Where the expression of feelings become part of the norm staff feel listened to and valued.

If you are a manager consider the following questions:

• Do you take all possible steps to make your staffs’s work interesting and rewarding?
• Do you keep your eyes open to the physical indications and signs of stress in yourself and your staff?
• Do you give your staff members sufficient support in the event of changes ?
• Do you encourage your staff to talkabout how they feel about the demands made upon them at work?
• Do you listen well to what your staff are telling you about the work?
• Do you know your staff well enough to be aware when they show strain?
• If you are planning changes do you pause and think about how best to involve staff ?
• Do you have the ability to put yourself in your staff’s shoes?
• Are you aware  of changes in patterns or absenteeism in your department?
• Do you know how each individual is likely to react to any increase in workload or responsibility?
• Do you feel confident to address individual concerns with individuals?
• Would you recognise if a member of your staff develops a high dependency on alcohol?
• Do you acknowledge that excessive stress can contribute to ill-health?
• Do you model to your staff how to manage stress in the workplace?