Step 1: Identify the sources of stress
According to Science Daily, the first step is to identify the actual source, in other words the so-called "stressors". At what moments do workers feel stressed? What causes the stress, how often, and what is the real root cause? In which specific situations is stress triggered unnecessarily and what can be done to prevent this happening?
Step 2: Find out how stress affects subordinates' work
In order to address excessive stress in your team, you need to know exactly how stress affects your subordinates. How high are the stress levels and how serious is the problem? Does stress happen in spikes, or are subordinates exposed to long-term, chronic stress? And in what ways do subordinates think stress most affects their work?
Step 3: Find alternative practices to help suppress sources of stress
Based on the findings you obtain from the questions posed in steps 1 and 2, suggest ways to eliminate the stressors. Determine which sources of stress are the most serious and cause subordinates the most difficulty. Then devise new policies and procedures to eliminate these stressors and deal with the relevant situations in future so they will no longer cause such stress.
Step 4: Raise the topic of mental health more often with subordinates
The last, yet very important step is education and transparent discussion. Open up the topic of mental health and combating stress with subordinates. Do not try to sweep the whole problem under the carpet and ignore it; on the contrary, discuss it and find out what needs to be changed for them to work better. Likewise, make them aware of the steps they can take to manage better their own mental health.
-mm-