It Is Time to Have Open Discussions on Workplace Stress, Burnout
As adults, we make tens of thousands of decisions a day – up to 70,000 according to some research. Many of these decisions are unconscious ones, like where to place your car keys when returning home or how hot you set the shower temperature.
Too many decisions, however, in both the workplace and in our personal lives, are made under emotional duress. When this happens, the rational control center of our brain is no longer in charge, having been replaced by the emotional control center.
What causes this to happen? Mostly stress and anxiety, though other emotions such as anger, giddiness, frustration, pride, disappointment, and elation can also cause what Daniel Goleman labeled emotional hijacking.
This is true in both our personal and professional lives. I am sure you have experienced situations where you said to yourself, “I was so angry I couldn’t think straight.” That is an example of an emotional hijacking in play.
Stress Impacts Employee Wellbeing and Retention
From a workplace perspective, stress, anxiety, pressure, deadlines, tiredness, and our relationships with co-workers can all lead to various levels of emotional hijacking.
Why is this topic so important? Especially for the workplace?
Because according to the American Institute of Stress, “Numerous studies have shown that job stress is far and away the major source of stress for American adults and that it has escalated precariously.”
Plus, stress impacts decision-making at all levels of your organization, causing less-than-optimal decisions to be made in reaction to people, situations, and events.
Discuss Workplace Stress Openly
All people leaders should be encouraged to openly discuss burnout with their team members. Gallup research shows that “employees whose manager is always willing to listen to their work-related problems are 62% less likely to be burned out.” 
Of course, many leaders are not properly equipped to have these conversations. As one leader told me, “I’m a manager, not a psychiatrist.” That is the wrong mindset. You need not be a psychiatrist to recognize the early warning signs of burnout. And you do not need to be a psychiatrist – just a people-centric leader – to have open and transparent conversations with staff about burnout and mental wellness issues.
It is time for you and your organization to have open discussions on workplace stress and burnout. Here is why:
83% of employees worldwide say their wellbeing is just as important as their salary.
(2022 Research Study from Gympass)
70% of employees said they would leave their current job for another organization offering better resources to reduce feelings of burnout.
(Visier study of full-time employees)
I can help you get the dialogue going in your organization on workplace stress reduction and management. My Lunch & Learns and 2-hour virtual workshops help your leaders and employees learn how to reduce the impact of stress on their decision-making, productivity, and results. I will also teach them how to recognize the early warning signs of burnout and learn how to implement steps to minimize burnout risk.
Let’s talk about how to help your team members and your organization excel at managing and reducing work-related stress. I am here to help.
Email: [email protected]
Calendar bookings: https://calendly.com/stevenhoward
Together, we can create a less stressful work environment for you and your colleagues.
Help Yourself Make Better Decisions
You do not have to emotionally react to events, situations, and people, In my book, How Stress and Anxiety Impact Your Decision Making, you will find useful and easy-to-implement tips and techniques for taking control of your emotions and thoughts so that you can respond, instead of reacting, to life’s daily challenges.
This book will help you make more optimal decisions, both personally and professionally. The key is: it is not just WHAT you think, but HOW you think, that makes a difference in the outcomes you generate.
How Stress and Anxiety Impact Your Decision Making is available worldwide on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.
Better decision making and better thinking – and thus better outcomes – can be yours. The key to doing so, especially for important decisions that lead to a more productive and happier life, is in knowing how stress and anxiety impact your decision making.
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