Leaders Who Measure Productivity Can Also Measure Employee Stress Reactions

When it comes to measuring productivity, leaders have no problem getting out their calculators and rulers. But when it comes to measuring the impact of stress and anxiety on productivity, they often fall short. This can be a huge mistake, as undermining stress and anxiety can be just as damaging to productivity as any other obstacle. In this blog post, we will discuss how leaders can measure the impact of stress reaction on their team’s productivity, and what they can do to mitigate these negative effects. 

There are various methods for assessing the effect of stress and tension on productivity. One approach is to examine how much time is spent on tasks that are connected to stress and anxiety, such as constant email checking, back-to-back meetings without breaks for coffee, or lunch, or getting up to walk about physically. Another method to assess the influence of stress and tension on work performance is to examine how it affects the quality of work. Error rates, task completion rates, and client satisfaction ratings are examples of this. Finally, you may inquire about how stress and anxiety are affecting their work. This can be accomplished through surveys or validated assessment tools. We find the Energy Leadership Index™ assessment to be a helpful tool for evaluating individual and team stress reactions.

It’s important to address stress and anxiety in the workplace for a few reasons. First, it can hurt productivity. Second, it can lead to absenteeism and presenteeism, which are both costly for businesses. Finally, it can create a hostile or toxic work environment. The importance of psychological safety at work can be seen in how many people are leaving their jobs and seeking new opportunities.

There are a few key strategies that leaders can use to mitigate stress and anxiety in the workplace. First, they should identify the sources of stress and anxiety for employees. Once the sources are identified, leaders can develop plans to address them. Additionally, leaders should create an environment that is conducive to open communication about stress and its impact. Finally, bosses should proactively offer employees the tools they need to manage stress and anxiety. We propose incorporating executive coaching as a standard practice for every team member rather than relying on mindfulness and meditation techniques alone.  Executive coaching, when paired with a known assessment tool like the Energy Leadership Index™ assessment, allows employees to take the actions they believe will assist them in coping effectively with their stress responses.

When it comes to mitigating stress and anxiety in the workplace, leaders should take a proactive approach. By identifying the sources of stress and anxiety and developing plans to address them, leaders can create a more positive work environment for everyone. Additionally, by creating an environment that is conducive to open communication about stress and anxiety, leaders can help employees feel more comfortable discussing these topics. Finally, by providing employees with the resources they need to manage stress and anxiety, leaders can show that they are committed to helping employees thrive in all aspects of their lives.