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People feel anxious for a variety of reasons. While managers, who are human too, won’t always know each person’s unique triggers, there are things everyone can bear in mind to avoid creating situations that might cause anxiety.
Lack of information
Good internal communications, at all levels in the workplace, can help to mitigate unnecessary anxiety that might otherwise be created by feeling out of the loop. From company-wide news delivered by HR or an internal comms team, to information shared between a manager and their employee, taking the time to provide people with comprehensive clear comms means they’re not left wondering what’s going on in the business or team around them.
Assuming people will hear things “on the grapevine”, or that a single email will do the trick is a mistake. As is relying on busy senior leaders to cascade information. Using a variety of channels across a period of time to deliver key messages is a good way to make sure people don’t miss out.
It’s also important to convey all relevant information each time an issue is communicated, without assumptions that previous comms have been read/heard. It’s helpful to write the comms as if the audience was a new starter on day one with no prior knowledge of the business or how it works.
Be aware of power imbalances
What might not seem like a big deal to a senior manager, may be very worrying for a more junior staff member.
For example, a senior manager wants to catch up with a junior staff member to ask how they’re getting on in their role. The senior manager sends the staff member a diary invitation with the subject: “catch up”. While the senior person knows it’s for a friendly chat, the junior person may feel a lot of anxiety due to both the lack of communication as to what the meeting is about, and the fact that it’s originating from someone more senior than them.
To correct this, people in positions of authority need to be aware that, rightly or wrongly and regardless of who they are, directing their attention to someone without clearly explaining the reason can cause anxiety. Being mindful of their senior role and providing some reassurance when they reach out to employees as to the reason for the communication/contact can nip anxiety in the bud.
Unclear expectations
When an employee is anxious to perform well in their role, unclear expectations about how to do that can make work life very difficult. How much instruction an employee will need will depend on their level of experience and confidence, but at a minimum, most people will need to know what goals they’re working towards and what the business expects them to achieve.
Who communicates expectations to a staff member will depend on what level the expectation is originating from. If it’s coming from senior leaders, then it’s worthwhile for HR and/or an internal comms team to work with that executive to make sure the comms are clear. If managers are providing feedback on expectations, HR can work with them to help them communicate well. Being upfront about the business’ expectations can save a lot of wondering on the part of the employee.
For most people, their job is very important to them. It provides them with an income and purpose. Given the pivotal role work plays in people’s lives, it’s easy for it to become a source of anxiety if the business fails to communicate well, being mindful of who is communicating and providing clear comms and expectations.
Shandel McAuliffe
Shandel has recently returned to Australia after working in the UK for eight years. Shandel's experience in the UK included over three years at the CIPD in their marketing, marcomms and events teams, followed by two plus years with The Adecco Group UK&I in marketing, PR, internal comms and project management. Cementing Shandel's experience in the HR industry, she was the head of content for Cezanne HR, a full-lifecycle HR software solution, for the two years prior to her return to Australia.
Shandel has previous experience as a copy writer, proofreader and copy editor, and a keen interest in HR, leadership and psychology. She's excited to be at the helm of HR Leader as its editor, bringing new and innovative ideas to the publication's audience, drawing on her time overseas and learning from experts closer to home in Australia.
