Ryan Rock, Ankeny Entrepreneur, Discusses How to Help Your Employees Succeed Under Pressure
As a business
owner, you’re probably well aware that your business depends on your employees,
and that their success at work relies on their ability to perform well.
However, while some may thrive while under pressure, others may find themselves
breaking, which can negatively affect your business.
It’s almost
impossible to avoid situations which put your employees under a high amount of
pressure, but you can help prepare them for those times.
But how do you set
your employees up for success during stressful periods at work? There are many
ways to relieve everyone from some of the pressure. Here, Ryan Rock, Ankeny
resident and CEO of Empire
AG, LLC, shares a few easy ways to reduce
stress in the workplace.
Start in the Hiring Process
The ability for
employees to thrive under pressure starts with the types of people they are,
which is why helping them succeed starts in the hiring process.
You want to hire
someone who can handle stress well, and this should be an essential question in
the interview. When searching for the right person to fill a role, ask them how
they work under pressure. Ask them to explain their management skills and
methods, and ask them to provide an example of a time where they were
successful despite pressure.
Focus on Mental Health
A person’s mental
health can considerably affect their productivity at work. Poor mental health
not only takes a toll on a person’s mind, but it may also lower their immune
system, which could lead to lost productivity.
As an employer,
you should be concerned about your employees’ mental health and be active in
encouraging healthy habits – both physical and mental.
One popular way to
do this is to have wellness programs at work. These programs include offering
benefits for going to a mental health professional, holding office yoga
sessions, or suggesting that your employees take breaks throughout the day. As
an employer, you receive the benefits of having healthy, resilient employees
who can handle the pressure as well as insurance discounts.
Combat Stressors in the Workplace
Stress in the
workplace can be a destructive force which can significantly interfere with
employees’ abilities to perform under pressure. Everyday stressors like
inadequate communication skills can drastically hinder production, especially
during stressful periods.
Finding those
stressors and reducing or eliminating them is key to promoting a healthy
workplace. Once you find them, it’s crucial to have a workplace meeting to iron
out any issues together.
Be Flexible as an Employer
Lastly, though
this may seem counteractive, giving employees time to decompress and rejuvenate
can be a powerful tool in the workplace.
For instance, if
an employee is appearing to be especially bogged down due to an overload at
work or personal problems, giving them some time off to work through them can
help significantly. If there’s a remarkably busy season at your business, it
may be beneficial to give your employees a few days off or shortened workweeks
to let them know you appreciate the work they do for you.
Being a flexible
employer can make a big difference, as employees will feel more motivated and
willing to work harder when times get tough.
About Ryan Rock
Ryan Rock, Ankeny
native, successfully maintains a proactive work, family, and life balance.
During his college career, Rock balanced multiple activities, which also forced
him to categorize his priorities. Rock’s time-management and prioritizing
skills allow his company, Empire AG, LLC, to take up multiple projects and
deliver quality work.
