How can workplace leaders play a role in reducing stress?

We've all been stressed at work before and know it has the potential to derail productivity and reduce happiness in the workplace.

In episode 35 of the Go1 podcast, Peter Horwing, CEO of Chart Learning Solutions, joins our host Craig Hamill as they attempt to answer some of the biggest questions about stress at work. What are the different types of stress we experience? How can workplace leaders play a role in reducing stress? And how does time management contribute to managing stress in the workplace?

Here are some of the key takeaways from the conversation.

Types of stress

Identifying the type of stress someone is experiencing can be a helpful first step in effectively combating that stress.

Here, Peter Horwing identifies the three primary types of stress: mental stress, chemical stress, and structural stress. He continues by explaining how by understanding and identifying the types of stress, it becomes much easier to identify solutions to that stress, while also increasing resiliency.

Minimising stress as a leader

One of the major parts of being a leader in the workplace is working to maximise happiness for employees.

In this section of the podcast, Peter explains that a major component of this is demonstrating understanding and empathy towards employees who may be experiencing stress - even if that stress may not have originated at work.

Peter also explains that leaders should not be afraid to ask their team members for feedback on their performance as a leader. And that doing so can reduce stress both on the team members, as well as the leader themselves.

Time management and stress

It's no secret that having effective time management can be a significant factor in reducing stress in the workplace.

However, time management is not a skill that comes naturally to everyone and can be extremely valuable for leaders to include as part of learning and development in the workplace.

During this part of the podcast, Peter tells the story of an employee who applied the skills she learned during a time management course to her home life, as well as her workplace, and went on to describe what she learned as 'life changing.'

Peter continues by explaining the interrelation of stress management and time management - you can listen to the full podcast and conversation here.

Want to hear more? Browse the full Learning with Go1 podcast library on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify to help expand your knowledge of all things L&D. And hear how other organisations are navigating through this ever-evolving landscape.