All Stressed Out
Are you or your employees stress-puppies? Stress plays a big role in productivity – lost work time and reduced job performance – and, more importantly, with your health.
Be aware of the recognizable signs of stress:
• Lack of Sleep – Insomnia or a lack of sleep is a major symptom of stress. Over time, an individual’s health and work performance will suffer.
• Truancy – Have you noticed an increase in an employee’s absenteeism or chronic lateness? These are key indicators.
• Excessive Drinking – Has an employee started drinking too much? Increased alcohol and/or drug use almost always indicates increased stress levels.
• Change in Physical Appearance – Has an employee undergone a significant weight gain or weight loss? Other than dieting to lose weight, sudden weight changes can indicate that a person’s eating patterns have changed, perhaps resulting from troubles at home or work.
• Attitude Changes – Any changes or sudden swings in an employee’s mood? Or has a formerly outgoing person suddenly become withdrawn? This may be the result of either mild or more severe depression.
• Physical Deterioration – Has any employee developed numerous physical difficulties, and are they always complaining about them? This is common among those suffering even mild depression.
• Reduced Performance – Has an employee’s work performance fallen off sharply? If it's only temporary, this isn't a sign of stress. If it persists, however, look for the cause.
If you notice one or more of these changes in an employee, talk to them directly about any problems. The stress may or may not be work related and the employee might open up about it. But if a problem makes them a liability, you have a problem, as well. Professional counseling may be required if an employee shows ongoing symptoms of stress.