Taking Control: How Leaders Can Support Their Teams and Enhance Mental Health

Control and the Workplace

In today’s workplace, the concept of control is more critical than ever. As leaders, understanding the impact of control-or the lack thereof-on your team’s mental health is essential. This article explores how lack of control can affect mental health and offers ten practical suggestions to help your team regain a sense of control and reduce stress.

Understanding Control in the Workplace

Control in the workplace refers to the ability to influence decisions, manage work processes, and have flexibility in how tasks are completed. It’s about giving employees the power to make choices that affect their work and, ultimately, their lives. When employees feel in control, they experience less stress and more job satisfaction.

The Impact of Lack of Control and Mental Health

We have an innate need to predict and influence our environment. This need for control is deeply rooted in our evolution, where having the ability to manage our surroundings significantly increased our chances of survival. In prehistoric times, those who could effectively control their environment had better access to resources, improved safety, and greater stability, which directly impacted their well-being and longevity. This evolutionary trait persists today, manifesting as a fundamental human requirement to feel a sense of control over various aspects of our lives, including our work environment.

In the modern workplace, a lack of control can lead to significant stress and anxiety. When employees feel powerless to influence their tasks, schedules, or work conditions, they may experience heightened levels of frustration and helplessness. Over time, this persistent stress can contribute to long-term mental health issues such as depression and burnout. Burnout, in particular, is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and frustration. It is characterized by feelings of overwhelming fatigue, cynicism towards work, and a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. Studies have shown that employees with low control at work are at a higher risk for these mental health problems. The constant struggle against an unpredictable and uncontrollable work environment can erode an employee’s motivation and engagement, leading to decreased productivity and higher turnover rates.

Today’s Workplace Environment

Modern workplaces are full of challenges: hybrid work, rapid technological changes, and high demands. These factors can exacerbate feelings of lack of control. These factors can intensify feelings of lack of control among employees, further contributing to stress and burnout. However, a strong organizational culture that emphasizes autonomy and support can significantly mitigate these effects. As a leader, you have the power to foster such an environment. Here are ten practical suggestions to help your team regain a sense of control, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health.

Practical Suggestions for Leaders for Increasing Control and Promoting Mental Health

1. 1. Promote Autonomy
      • Allow employees to take ownership of their projects and make decisions. Trust them to manage their own tasks without micromanaging.
   2. Foster Open Communication
      • Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas. Regular team meetings and anonymous surveys can help gather honest feedback.
   3. Provide Clear Expectations
      • Set specific, achievable goals and communicate them clearly. Ensure that job descriptions are well-defined and up-to-date.
        

        

         
   4. Offer Flexibility
      • Implement flexible working hours and support remote work options to accommodate different personal schedules and reduce commuting stress.
   5. Involve Employees in Decision-Making
      • Include team members in discussions that affect their work. Create committees or working groups with diverse representation to provide input on company decisions.
   6. Support Professional Development
      • Offer training programs, workshops, and courses to help employees develop new skills. Encourage team members to pursue certifications and further education.
   7. Recognize and Reward Contributions
      • Implement an employee recognition program to celebrate achievements. Offer incentives such as bonuses, extra time off, or public acknowledgment.
   8. Monitor Workload
      • Regularly check in to prevent overload and redistribute tasks as necessary. Conduct one-on-one meetings to discuss workload and stress levels.
   9. Create a Supportive Environment
      • Promote team-building activities to strengthen relationships among team members. Address any workplace bullying or harassment immediately and effectively.
   10. Provide Resources for Mental Health
       • Offer access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide counseling and support. Organize mental health awareness workshops and provide information on managing stress.

“Remember, we always have the choice about the way we live our lives.  We may not be able to control everything and often control is more of an illusion.  But when we give up choosing, we truly are out of control.” Beverly Beuermann-King Click to tweet

What To Do If You Are Feeling Out Of Control – Tips on How to Take Control

When stress hits, these practical steps can help:

1. Take a Deep Breath and Relax
   • Induce the relaxation response to counter the stress response. Relaxation helps you implement other strategies effectively.
2. Assess the Situation
   • Gather all the facts. Sometimes, just understanding the situation fully can help you feel more in control. Ensure you’re not over-exaggerating the issue.
3. Problem-Solve
   • Identify choices and strategies to resolve the issue. What actions can you take to influence the outcome positively?
4. Establish Routines
   • Implement routines to make tasks more efficient and predictable, reducing uncertainty and stress.
5. Seek Help When Needed
   • If the issue is beyond your control, identify who can help and approach them for assistance.
6. Be Patient
   • Sometimes, waiting it out is part of problem-solving. Trust that you are doing something by being patient.
7. Focus on What You Can Control
   • Concentrate on aspects of the situation that you can influence, even if they are small.

Addressing the issue of control in the workplace is crucial for maintaining your team’s mental health. You can create a more supportive and controlled work environment, leading to increased well-being and productivity. As a leader, taking these steps can make a significant difference in your team’s morale and overall mental health. Remember, “I am in control” is not just a phrase-it’s a call to action. Take charge and help your team thrive.

Contact Beverly about hosting a stress management workshop for your teams on how to cope with stress at work and other stress and mental health training. Discover tips to deal with stress and encourage positive stress management techniques!

If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!

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