Possibly, only a handful of family businesses worldwide have family members with little or no stress. Having stress on the job is commonplace and expected. There are many different personalities along with just as many job responsibilities and pressures in a business environment. Sometimes, however, these different personalities don’t see eye to eye and the pressure of deadlines and job responsibilities on top of that will add up to work-related stress. Add to that the family dynamic and you have an environment conducive to conflict.
There are ways the family business manager can effectively deal with work related stress from both an employee and a manager’s perspective.
From the manager-based point of view, you can offer your employees various ways to deal with stress.
Environment
As patriarch or family business manager, you get to choose the décor and furnishings of the work environment your family members use every day. Having a work environment with comfortable furniture, perhaps even ergonomic furnishings and soothing décor is a wise choice.
Soft uplifting colors, for example, pale yellow, will work wonders to keep employees alert and calm throughout his or her day. Paintings of landscapes offering views of different seasons will always give a lift to anyone looking at them. Large plants throughout the work space also help to clean up the air they breathe.
An Open Door Policy
When you offer your employees an open door, you offer them a way to let off steam and express themselves. The sooner you allow them to express themselves, the sooner they can go about their business, which ultimately is the families business.
Sometimes you may not have an immediate solution or advice for your employee, but you can simply be a listener for that individual. Sometimes in being heard, all it takes is good listening skills.
Programs and Seminars
It is important to take an interest in other family member’s well-being at all times. Offering seminars and programs in the department of health, nutrition, and overall well-being gives your family an opportunity to heal what ails them. It also shows that you genuinely care and are concerned for their well-being.
Offering different types of programs and having speakers come to speak on subjects of yoga, exercise, and healthy food choices gives all family members knowledge on how to cope with stress on their own.
When you take an interest in the well-being of your family business members it will reflect in your office atmosphere. This is a win/win situation all the way around.
Offering your employee the opportunity to learn techniques and tactics to de-stress on his or her own offers you the opportunity to have a healthier, happier family member and employee.
