Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/66838
WORLD FENCE NEWS • JUNE 2012 • 65 have, the more aspects of their work they should be able to control. Offer guidance – but don't be a mother hen – in areas such as planning work schedules for completing key tasks, obtaining the resources needed to complete projects, and interacting with customers in better ways. Employees will make better deci- sions, and feel more in control of their destiny, if they understand how their actions support the overall business mission. Of course, this pre-supposes that you have developed clear goals for your business. "The staff experiences much higher stress if leaders are jerking around the organization with goals that are either too numerous, or ill-de- fined," warns Hagberg. Bonus tip: When people feel their input is important, and that they are being listened to, they will alert man- agement of critical problems before damage is done. Create work flexibility Individuals feel less stress if they have the power to manage the time they spend on business and personal life. "People are having difficulty bal- ancing their family and work lives," says Paul Gibson, an attorney and human resources analyst at CCH Human Resources Group, Chicago. "Our surveys show that a paid leave bank is the most successful way to re- duce the stress that results when peo- ple have too few hours to do too many tasks." A "paid leave bank" system lumps all time off – vacation, sick, and per- sonal – into one bank that the em- ployee can use as appropriate. Employees will make better decisions, and feel more in control of their destiny, if they understand how their actions support the overall business mission. This reduces stress because it al- lows the employee to schedule time as needed. It benefits the employer as well. The person who needs to take care of a family task can now let the super- visor know about a necessary absence well in advance. This avoids the last- minute scrambling and increased staff stress level that occurs when employ- ees call in sick. Bonus tip: Simple things such as the ability to take breaks freely, to augment desk lighting, and select their own work apparel, can also contribute to an employee's sense of flexibility. Release tension with exercise and stretching More employers are realizing the important role exercise and stretching play in reducing stress. "Exercise gets your mind off de- mands that are bothering you," says Munz. "While exercise makes you tired for a while, you shortly feel re- newed." When we get rid of tension, our energy level goes up. "After 10 to 15 minutes of brisk movement your mood improves and you can focus on a given work activ- ity," says Munz. "This lift lasts about one and a half hours. Then you need to exercise again." While we often think of aerobics when it comes to exercise, Munz points out that simpler exercises can do the trick. "The idea is to go through the movements that get rid of tensions in the body," he says. "A walk is a good example, and so is a series of slow stretches. We are al- ways at our best when we are in mo- tion," says Munz. "We are more creative and things don't bother us as much." Bonus tip: Encourage your staff to build exercises into their normal work routines. Even when talking on the phone, it's possible to stretch to reduce tension in the shoulder and neck. Tackle stress the right way The information age is bringing rapid change to the workplace. It will take time for people to develop coping mechanisms for the increase in stress that results from the need to achieve more productivity from limited re- sources. One thing is certain: we can't re- verse the clock. "Today, everything is moving in technology time," says Hagberg. "So people who want things to be the way they were, will be frustrated over the next few years. Handling stress will continue to be a major chal- lenge for every business." Phillip Perry is a New York, N.Y.- based business writer and has been a regular contributor to World Fence News for many years. Options: • Loader • Forklift • Concrete Breaker • Post Tamper • Post Puller • Concrete Mixer and Dispenser • Installink Chainlink Dispenser • Auto Post Driver (one-person operation) 25-30 XT 2-25 TLD-125 Seeing is believing - Call today for FREE video or to schedule a demonstration! Six Models to Choose From "The ultimate in boring and fencing equipment." 244 W. State Route 4, Cathlamet,WA 98612 (360) 795-3617