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Tips to Thriving During Uncertain Times

Tips to Thriving During Uncertain Times 

By Michael J. Coffey, MA

We have been deluged with talk about foreclosures, down markets and the skyrocketing cost to many necessity items affecting people throughout our nation. How is this talk affecting your employees? Is there a foreclosure sign on their front lawn? Are they stressed about their retirement accounts or paying all their monthly bills? Are these national issues showing up in your workplace?

These issues and many others lead to increased levels of stress, both individually and organizationally. The effects of personal stress include symptoms like: sleepless nights, increased anxiety, decreased patience, as well as, physical and emotional illness leading to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity and performance. The cumulative effect on the organization can be staggering. What is your strategy for maintaining a focused, healthy and productive workplace in these stressful and troubled times? What can you do to increase optimism, motivation, productivity and performance?

For over 14 years Baron Center, Inc.’s (BCI) goal has been to share our expertise helping our clients to develop peaceful and productive workplaces. Here are 3 tips for helping your employees thrive during uncertain times.

Communicate Purpose

A significant way to reduce stress is by effectively communicating your organization's vision, using it as a spring board for helping your employees find meaning in their day to day activities at work. Through communicating purpose, you tap into your employees' intrinsic motivations, allowing them to develop a deeper sense of self-worth guided by your organization's vision, mission and values. People who find meaning in their work display greater energy, commitment and health, resulting in decreased stress and increased performance. 

Unleash the Energy and Intelligence of Your People 

Rather than pulling back during uncertain times unleash your people to innovate. Ask for their help in how processes may be accomplished more effectively. Or engage them in the creative process of figuring out ways to reduce costs without compromising quality. Allow them to be engaged in helping the company grow while other companies are shrinking. This will send the message that you are still moving forward while others are running for cover. This will help those working for you gain a sense of security in their workplace while other areas of their life may be uncertain.

Invest in your people during these troubled times. Through offering training, coaching and team building opportunities you send your people a strong message that they are of great value to you and the organization, and that you are looking forward to a bright future with them. We believe that training should always be customized, based on your organization's current needs and future goals. Be sure to request that your trainer custom design programs that equip and inspire those being trained, rather than offering you an off the shelf program that does not truly connect with your people, purpose and goals.

Reach out to your contracted service providers, (health insurers and EAPs) and ask what kinds of wellness programs they can offer as an additional benefit. At little or no cost to your organization, wellness programs can help your people cope with stress caused by emotional and financial challenges. Give them tools that develop their personal resilience and you’ll see the ROI through decreased absenteeism and fewer stress issues.

Listen, Really Listen

By training your leadership team (managers & supervisors) to listen actively and deeply they will be able to understand and empathize with the fears and concerns of those who work for them. Listening develops a deeper connection and sense of caring. When leadership shows your people that they authentically care, you capture much more than their time and talents -- you capture their hearts and passion as well. Through listening you develop a culture of care and increased trust which leads to increased morale and productivity.

Communicate with vision, passion, and authenticity about what the future holds. Remind your employees of the victories and successes of 2008 and the purpose and direction for 2009. Be intentional about listening to your people. There is an ancient proverb that says, “without vision the people perish”.  These tips to thriving in uncertain times may give you the competitive advantage you need over your competition. Nothing beats back uncertainty and stress better than positive communication and personal growth, and the return on investment is a committed, energized and motivated workforce.  Communicating with vision and engaging your people sends a strong message to them and your customers. Now is the time to thrive!

Michael Coffey can be contacted at (800) 391-4267 ext. 605, or MCoffey@BaronCenter.com .