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otherwise healthy lifestyle and CUM to alcohol or drugs.
Page 47
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Phillip Hodson, fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Pyschotherapy. says employers must use 'emotional intelligence' during the recession.
He adds:"'lliis means being aware that everyone is asking: 'Is my job safe?' Panic is contagious. Worry freezes people and stops them resolving issues. Boards must offer leadership and that means saying where the company is going. within reason.
"If you fail to communicate your position. people will imagine it to be worse than it is."
He warns that firms must be particularly sensitive about handling lay-offs.
If you treat those leaving with a lack of respect, it will be noticed by those who remain," he explains.
Hodson believes that as well as clear communication and calm leadership, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) can be useful. Brought to Europe by the US oil companies in the 1970s. these offer confidential phonelines for staff that can provide support with any kind of worry, professional or personal, 24/7, and they can also provide an overview of employee concerns in a management report. It may seem that the smaller the firm, the closer the bonds between colleagues, so the easier it will be to see if someone needs help. But this depends on the culture of the firm. Some may feel more exposed in an intimate firm and more concerned that their troubles don't become office gossip: anonymity can be a blessing. Equally, managers may have more control over their jobs, but they may be more likely to feel isolated and unable to find a peer to discuss problems with.
Other ways to alleviate stress Someone with serious anxiety issues needs to seek professional help to deal with them. But there are easy and cheap ways to help your team's emotional health overall.
• Team sports build support networks. produce endorphins and even help defeat clinical depression.
• Consider having a trusted counsellor's name and number to hand even if you don't want to finance it.
• Ask a practice nurse from your local GP surgery to come into the depot, particularly if she'll discuss any health issue. This gives anyone needing to talk the chance to without having to make it obvious to colleagues. • Have an up-front attitude. Treat people with respect and honesty. Information is empowering, so share it.
• Ask a local massage therapist to come in to offer short relaxation sessions: many treatments can be done fully clothed and without a loss of privacy.
• Keep some relaxation CDs in the office — not to be used when driving or operating heavy machinery. Short neurolinguistic programming (N LP) or hypnotherapy recordings can relax, boost alertness and lift your mood — ideal for a 15-minute rest break. Useful for people who can't switch off.
Signs of stress • Irritability or hyper-sensitivity to criticism • Withdrawn behaviour • Problems sleeping • Poor concentration • Missing deadlines, procrastination, making excuses • Absenteeism • Likely to drink, smoke or eat more junk food than before With a combination of good communication and a willing attitude, stress can be beaten. •