Expert: Tom Emery, Co-Founder, HEX Talent and Development
Headlines:
- When it comes to stress management in the workplace, particularly in the wealth management industry the topic is complex but one that needs to be addressed
Context:
The session began with a discussion on being overwhelmed, excessive workload, client demands, and uncertainty and potential negative impacts of prolonged stress on physical and mental well-being, before exploring the various factors that contribute to stress in the workplace, including physical environment (noise, lack of natural light, commute), task demands (unclear expectations, lack of support), role demands (unclear boundaries, overlapping responsibilities), and relationship demands (communication challenges, trust issues).
Delegates engaged in a poll to assess their current stress levels with the results highlighting the importance of addressing stress from multiple angles.
Strategies for managing stress include effective communication (active listening, empathy, giving and receiving feedback), prioritization (the rocks, pebbles, and sand analogy), process improvement (questioning inefficient practices), and self-care (wellness practices like journaling, meditation, exercise, and sleep routines).
Key takeaways:
- Regularly assess and communicate workload and priorities with team members and managers to ensure a balanced distribution of tasks and responsibilities
- Foster open and honest communication by actively listening, seeking to understand intentions behind actions or requests, and providing constructive feedback in a respectful manner
- Continuously evaluate and streamline processes to eliminate unnecessary or inefficient tasks, and encourage team members to identify areas for improvement
- Encourage and support self-care practices among team members, such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, engaging in stress-relieving activities, and prioritizing physical and mental well-being
- Promote a culture of trust, empathy, and mutual understanding within the team, recognizing that misunderstandings can arise from differing perspectives and communication styles.
- Seek support and guidance from colleagues, managers, or professional resources when feeling overwhelmed or struggling to manage stress effectively
