Is the pressure getting too much? – Lessons learnt from Usain Bolt 06/09/2011
Posted by CBSbutler Ltd in Work life balance.Tags: employees, morale, pressure, stress
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The World’s fastest runner, Usain Bolt (100m in 9.58seconds), recently let the pressure of his job get to him. As a result he was disqualified during the World Athletic Champions in South Korea for a false start. His disappointment was plain to see and his inability to perform under pressure was clear. This got me thinking about how we manage pressure in the workplace.
With increased economic uncertainty, more and more people are beginning to feel added strain regardless of occupation, seniority and salary. The threat of budget cuts, layoffs and pay freezes is, understandably, a cause for concern. And this fear is adding to the levels of anxiety felt by many. Whilst stress is a normal factor in any business, excessive amounts, and increased pressure to perform can dramatically affect productivity as well as mental and physical health of employees.
What employers can do
Organisations need to be vigilant in safeguarding their staff. The people they employ are arguably the most important assets and should be looked after – this is just good business sense.
In order to help prevent and minimise stress in the workplace, employers should:
- Conduct regular employee risk assessments
- Review working practices
- Monitor the hours that employees are working – as well as this make sure that employees take their holiday in order to have a break
- Regularly review the demands on staff roles
CBSbutler already do all of these, but as a company that values its employees we also
- Offer flexible working structure
- Conduct regular reviews to discuss any ongoing concerns
- Keep an open dialogue – provide an open an honest environment so that employees feel that they can discuss any issues including managing workloads
However, it is not only employers that can help tackle the high levels of stress. Employees can help reduce the pressure for themselves.
What employees can do
Taking care of yourself can also help minimise the anxiety you feel in the workplace.
- Improve your time management and organisation skills – Of the many things you can do is become more organised to stay on top of your workload. Make ‘to do’ lists and learn to say “no”. Ask for help when you need it, and stop setting unrealistic goals for yourself.
- Take a break – having a rest after an intense hour and a half can really help your mood and productivity. Just getting up from your desk for a 5 minute break will improve your outlook.
- Get more sleep – In order to keep emotional balance and physical strength you need to get enough sleep. In addition to reducing your stress, it will increase your energy level and your ability to concentrate.
So how do you cope with stress? Does your employer do enough to help you? Let us know what you think.
Are you able to switch off while on holiday? 25/08/2011
Posted by CBSbutler Ltd in Work life balance.Tags: employees, morale, welll-being
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With an array of devices allowing us to work anywhere, and at any time, can employees totally switch off from their job while on holiday?
For many people, the summer getaway is a long awaited break – planned and anticipated for many months. However while waiting in the airport to jet off to a sunny destination or while lying under a palm tree on the beach, the temptation to check emails and messages from work is too much for some.
A recent survey of 2,500 managers from The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) has revealed that over a third of respondents work while on holiday. In fact, 80% frequently respond to emails, almost half take phone calls and one in ten even go into the office while on holiday. Unsurprisingly the study also revealed that 40% of people returning to the office felt more stressed than when they left!
While technology means that it is easier than ever to work remotely, it also makes it extremely hard to switch off. Holidays are there to give the employee much needed time away from the office and to re-energise. Many staff however, are keeping one eye on their job at all times. Workers may feel they are just being conscientious but this inability to disconnect can be detrimental.
At CBSbutler we understand the need to get away from the pressures and stresses of work and actively encourage our employees to enjoy their time off. The team work closely together to provide the best service possible and the business is structured to allow the continuation of work regardless of personal holiday leave. Our staff are not made to feel guilty for disconnecting while away, rather they are encouraged to do so!
Are you able to switch off while on holiday? Do you feel guilty or pressure to stay in touch at all times? Let us know what you think.
Proposed changes to flexible working rights: what’s your opinion? 10/06/2011
Posted by CBSbutler Ltd in CBSbutler, Work life balance.add a comment
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has announced that it is launching a consultation on proposals to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees, not just to those with caring responsibilities. This will enable staff to have a better work – life balance.
The Government is hoping to stimulate a cultural change in attitudes to flexible working. And for organisations to be successful in the future, they will need to break down the barriers between people, workplace and technology and establish a culture of trust.
And according to a recent study by Microsoft, employees look set to welcome these proposals. 56% of respondents confessed that they work better away from the office, and 48% say this is because they can fit their job around personal commitments. (more…)
Commuting hell 31/05/2011
Posted by CBSbutler Ltd in CBSbutler, Work life balance.Tags: commuting, welll-being
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A recent article in HR Magazine caught my eye. Why? It cited a survey by Regus which found that over a third of participants spent in excess of 45 minutes commuting each day. Luckily for me, I don’t fall into this category.
But for those who do spend long periods of time commuting, it can be a horrible experience. Stuck on a packed, often delayed train, or in motorway traffic. It seems a good commute these days are few and far between. This is no good for an individual, but also a business. Arriving stressed after a lengthy journey is not the best basis for a productive day.
So why do the workforce face such lengthy commutes into the office? It appears that far too many people believe that the route to a successful career lie in our big cities. (more…)
Work life balance – is it really all about commission and long hours? 14/01/2011
Posted by CBSbutler Ltd in CBSbutler, Employment, Engagement, Surrey, Work life balance.1 comment so far
If you work in London, I’m sure you have experience of waking up at the crack of dawn, catching the standing room only 6.30am train and enduring that two hour journey to your office. You work extremely long hours under a great deal of stress and pressure, but getting that large pay packet at the end of the month makes it all worthwhile – right?
