Recently I had a manager ask what she could do since her staff are overworked and really feeling the pressure of the new demands in the workplace. She was able to see how this caused an increase in errors in judgment and reduced morale as staff complained about the pressure. She also noted that the use of sick days increased.

What is a manager to do when the signs are obvious that pressure no longer improves performance and is in fact hindering it.  Here are 7 things a manager can do to make a difference for their employees:

1. Make sure your staff know their work is valuable. Help them to connect what they are doing with the company’s overall goals and mission. Most people find great satisfaction when they engage in something meaningful.
2. Keep a check on your own stress. When you begin to see everything as urgent and convey

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Today almost half of workers “love their job” according to Ranstad, a global HR provider.   Even more interesting is that over half, 60% feel the love coming back from their employers!  This is a shift given that in 2007 70% of workers disliked their jobs!

“This could point to feelings of gratitude and appreciation for being employed when so many have been laid off. ”   Eileen Habelow, Ph.D., senior vice president of organizational development for Randstad

Let’s break it down based on Randstad’s survey:

• 66% feel the love because of the work they do
• 11 percent because of their coworkers
• 10% because of their employers
• 9% because of pay

Older workers cite their contribution as a main reason  for staying in the job while younger workers like the experience they are getting.

With over half of the workers saying they do not believe their job is going anywhere, 30% … Read the rest