A new work environment is imminent, the world has gone through one of the hardest emotional crises of recent times. The recent acceleration of the implementation of AI, remote environments, and automation, has left a very profound impact on the way we rethink the way we work, communicate, competencies re-evaluation, job profiles redefinition, new leadership skills, among many others.
But not everybody is prepared for such big changes, so all these digital transformations have been exponentially increasing cases of burn-out and physical and mental health problems related to chronic stress.
It is important to understand that while these projects are mostly aimed at improving customer processes, reducing costs, and growing profits, companies can fall into the error of leaving aside empathy about what employees perceive from digital transformations.
Technology as part of new cultures can only be effective when business purposes are combined with the well-being of employees, starting with a transparent explanation of the need for change, involving them in decision-making that impacts their departments and seeking to make the process of transformation as a moment to be innovative, collaborative, and resilient.
But it is also important to understand that although the purpose of transformation is to become more agile and effective, there is always resistance in these projects, and can increase stress level, conflicts, and fears.
However, small actions can make big changes to meet the objectives with satisfaction, making these processes more bearable for team members and ready to tell a success story.
Simple Changes That Work
Small changes can make a big difference to create a culture that supports well-being and fosters productivity. While many situations are beyond the control of employees and sometimes even leaders, there are certain actions that can significantly help to better manage stress:
Promotes agile communication.
The lack of communication, partial or confusing communication can be one of the main stress factors in teams, letting those information gaps be filled with erroneous news or generate more uncertainty and resistance to the success of the project, which could be easily solved with a good communication plan.
The Impact of Clear Goals and Outcomes on Team Contribution
Setting clear goals provides direction and helps team members understand how their work contributes to the overall success of the team. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.
Outcomes are the results of our work. They should be aligned with the team’s goals and serve as a measure of success. By focusing on outcomes, teams can celebrate successes and learn from failures to continuously improve.
The Role of Innovation in Enhancing your Employer Experience
Innovation helps to create new solutions to old problems, driving progress and growth. By embracing new technology and ideas, teams can stay ahead of the curve and provide better experiences for customers and employers. Innovation is also essential for attracting new talent and ensuring long-term success.
Promote your Resilient Influencers
Surely in your company there are people who, regardless of their position, have the right attitude that inspires to be a balanced person without fear of change. They can be disciplined people, who maintain good relationships, who have a healthy life, are resilient and react regularly assertively to circumstances. Those people should be your ambassadors and their lifestyle and communication your best example of how to manage stress.
Develop Mindfulness at Work
You don’t need to hire gurus to teach mindfulness techniques 5 days a week. But you can start with rituals at the beginning of the day, either in person or virtually as they do even in Asian cultures where they prepare for their day with breathing techniques, simple yoga positions or simple stretching. This can be even more effective if repeated before a meeting where complex problem solving or innovative ideas are required.
Disconnection Rules
In an always-connected world, employees are often in a constant state of work readiness, which can lead to burnout. By implementing disconnection rules, organizations can encourage employees to unplug during non-working hours, allowing them time to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Hybrid Work Models
A hybrid work model gives employees the flexibility to work from home or other locations and provides a better work-life balance. Employees can avoid long commutes and distractions in the office, while at the same time maintaining face-to-face relationships with co-workers and a sense of connection to the company culture.
The Role of Empathic Leadership
Leaders must have empathy for their employees’ needs and challenges to create a culture that encourages work-life balance and well-being. Empathic leaders work to understand employees’ stressors and can design policies and practices that create a supportive and encouraging environment. They also lead by example by taking breaks, disconnecting, and prioritizing self-care.
The Importance of Open Feedback Culture
When it comes to stress and well-being, feedback is key to identifying problem areas and making effective changes. Employees should be allowed to voice their concerns without fear of retaliation, and the leaders should be responsive to promote open and constructive feedback as one of the most important skills to be perform in their roles.
Conclusion
Creating a healthy work-life balance is vital for employee well-being and digital transformations success. Organizations that prioritize stress management, well-being, and work-life balance are more likely to see higher levels of productivity and employee satisfaction. By implementing effective solutions, organizations can create a healthier and more productive workplace built on a foundation of empathy and trust.
