HR Soapbox: Stress? What Stress?

January 19, 2006

Volume 5, Number 21

In This Issue... STRESS? WHAT STRESS?

Have you reviewed your employee handbook lately?

If not, the next person reviewing it might be a disgruntled employee's attorney. We can help you prevent this from happening. AHI has teamed up with employee handbook expert, Jim Collison, to present a 90-minute audio conference:

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK HAZARDS:
Spotting Mistakes And Omissions That Your Employees
Could Use Against You

Wed., February 1, 2006
1:00 PM Eastern Time

Register Today
Only $179 per phone line

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STRESS? WHAT STRESS?

At one point or another, we've all stared workplace stress in the face. While we share this commonality, how we overcame — and continue to overcome — this stress is as varied as are the colors in a Crayola crayon box.

For me, organization is my stress buster. I like to color-code things, make lists, and keep my desk in impeccable order. Some might call my behavior anal retentive; I call it calming.

When it comes to squashing stress, what matters is the end result, not how employees achieve that result. No matter how quirky an employee's stress-fighting methods might be, don't dismiss them as long as they work for the employee and don't negatively impact the employee's performance or others in the workplace.

Respond to this HR Soapbox So the next time an employee takes a break to talk about last night's episode of Lost with a colleague or meditates for a few minutes before a meeting, look the other way. A 10-minute conversation or meditation session is a small price to pay to secure stellar performance from your employees.

Besides short daily breaks, here are some ways employers are helping employees get the upper hand on stress.

Offering stress management sessions as part of an employee assistance program. Such programs routinely include advice on nutrition and relaxation techniques.

Encouraging employees to get physical. Some companies offer employees a reduced rate at a local gym or time off to work out. Some stock the break room with Nerf balls and table tennis equipment. Others have started lunchtime walking clubs. At one company, employees and management meet in the corridors for a quick game of hall hockey, which serves not only as a stress reliever, but also as an energizer.

Suggesting employees take mass transit instead of driving into work, and use the time to read a book or listen to music. One company offers employees mass transit ticket discounts.

Keeping employees in the know. So word of declining sales, for example, doesn't come as a complete shock, which will make the news even more stressful.

Good luck, stay legal, and don't let stress get the best of you!

Melissa V. Hansen
Editor

TOP 5 RESOURCES FOR HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS

1.
HR Professionals' Toolkit

This CD-ROM gives you quick yet comprehensive solutions to the toughest HR questions and problems you field every day on topics like: performance appraisals, sexual harassment, discipline, conducting legal background checks, legal pay practices, complying with the Family and Medical Leave Act, overcoming workplace negativity...and more. No matter what urgent problem suddenly lands on your desk, you'll never be blindsided when you have this valuable resource at your fingertips.

2.
Performance Appraisals: The Ongoing Legal Nightmare

Shows you the latest methods for conducting employee reviews safely, including what you can — and can’t — say during a performance review, what safeguards you need to deter legal action, how to skirt the most common pitfalls surrounding the appraisal process, and how the courts view comments made on company appraisal records.

3.
The Complete Policy Handbook

Shows you how to safeguard against the damage that loopholes in your employee handbook can cause. You'll get a CD-ROM containing a complete set of ready-to-print policies for a foolproof manual of your own...policies that have stood up to courtroom challenges...with language that has worked in defending other employers.

4.
Employer's Guide To Record-Keeping Requirements

Covers all the records, files, and documents demands made on employers by state and federal laws and agencies; as well as what you must post on company property to stay on the right side of employment laws.

5.
Employee Problem Solver

Gives you a solid mix of practical advice seasoned with legal experience for attacking the problem, not the personality, in difficult situations that you and your managers face every day. Each general problem area is designed to offer immediate practical steps for preventing, attacking, and solving tough personnel problems.