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.
