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.
We’re singing for England 11/06/2010
Posted by CBSbutler Ltd in CBSbutler, Employment.Tags: employees, morale, World Cup
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So the build up is over and this afternoon the 2010 World Cup begins. Love it or loathe it, for the next month football fever is upon us, but for a lot of employers it can mean increased absenteeism and reduced production. 
Employers aren’t obliged to allow workers to watch the games, but if they want to boost morale in the workplace it’s worth thinking about how a policy can be put in place to ensure morale remains high when games are being played during work hours. McDonalds, Sainsbury’s and Asda are three companies that have offered flexible working conditions to their employees – such as shift swapping, or breaks to coincide with kick offs. Even the TUC has suggested that employers should allow staff to watch the games and catch up with work at a later date but of course in a sales environment this isn’t always that practical. (more…)
