A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professions

CHAPTER III. Promoting a Positive Workplace Environment

Minimizing Stress

A proactive stress management plan focuses both on the environment and the individual. A clear organizational structure with defined roles and responsibilities for linestaff responders, leads, supervisors, and managers reduces the potential for staff stress (Quick, Quick, Nelson, & Hurrell, 1997). An effective manager is familiar with the many facets of worker stress and takes a wide range of steps to integrate stress management strategies in the workplace.

As a supervisor or manager you must assume shared responsibility for promoting a positive and healthy work environment, and not rely exclusively on workers initiating their own self-care practices. You should address the following dimensions when designing a stress management plan that prioritizes environmental and organizational health:

Effective management structure and leadership;
Clear purpose, goals, and training;
Functionally defined roles;
Administrative controls;
Team support; and
Plan for stress management.

Managers today face the multiple challenges of bringing energy and passion, promoting a positive attitude, and creating an environment in which people feel connected to their work and their colleagues (Lundin, Paul, & Christensen, 2000). Managers can boost employees' perception of strong management support through feedback, open communication, and high visibility—that is, through a dynamic and supportive leadership style, one III. Promoting a Positive Workplace Environment ◆13 Promoting a Positive Workplace Environment which engages with others in such a way as to raise one another to high levels of motivation (Peters & Waterman, 1982).

Following are some principles of leadership that you can apply in the ordinary course of your daily life: Meet challenges head on; be curious and daring; create a culture where failure and error are looked upon as steps toward success; demonstrate personal courage to galvanize a team or organization that lacks resolve; and when life or business deals a bad hand, have faith. The most inspiring opportunities for courage come when you face the longest odds (Sandys, 2003).

Minimizing Stress in the Workplace

Set the tone by relating to workers with respect and valuing their contributions.
Hold regular staff meetings to plan, problem solve, recognize accomplishments, and promote staff cohesiveness (CMHS, 2000).
Clearly communicate the rationale behind procedural or supervisory changes and performance expectations (CMHS, 2000).
Create a formal employee suggestion system (CMHS, 2000) and encourage staff to contribute.
Resolve conflicts early and quickly (Figley, 1995).
Prepare workers for concrete tasks they may perform through technical training (McCarroll et al., 1993).
Acknowledge that work is often stressful and connect staff to professional help if necessary.
Promote an atmosphere where attention to one's emotional state is acceptable and encouraged rather than stigmatized or disregarded.

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