As an executive leadership coach, I’ve had countless conversations with employees about their deepest fears and concerns in the workplace. These fears can keep them up at night, causing stress, anxiety, and decreased productivity.
It’s essential for leaders to understand and address these fears to create a supportive and thriving work environment. Let’s explore the six scary things that keep employees up at night and how leaders can help alleviate these concerns.
The Disruption of Artificial Intelligence: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has many employees worried about job security. Leaders must communicate openly about how AI will be integrated into the workplace and provide training opportunities for employees to adapt and acquire new skills. By being transparent and supportive, leaders can help ease fears and foster a culture of continuous learning.
Confrontation and Conflict: Dealing with conflicts, confrontations, and difficult relationships with managers, coworkers, and customers is a common source of worry and stress for employees. Leaders can help employees manage this worry by showing that leadership handles conflict directly, respectfully and tactfully. This approach will trickle down to your employees, while also helping your employees trust that they can come to you for conflict resolution if needed.
Failure and Underperformance: The fear of underperforming, making mistakes or not meeting expectations can be overwhelming for employees. Leaders can alleviate this fear by setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and offering support and resources for improvement. By creating a culture that values growth and development, leaders can help employees feel more confident in their abilities and motivated to succeed.
Loneliness and Isolation: With the rise of remote work, many employees are struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Leaders must prioritize connection and engagement, even in a virtual setting. This can include regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and encouraging casual conversations. By fostering a sense of belonging and community, leaders can help employees feel more connected and supported.
Financial Wellbeing: Financial stress can be a significant source of anxiety for employees. Leaders can support financial wellbeing by offering competitive compensation, benefits, and financial education resources. By helping employees feel more secure and informed about their finances, leaders can reduce stress and improve overall job satisfaction.
Heavy Workloads and Burnout: Excessive workloads and the pressure to be “always on” can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Leaders must prioritize work-life balance and set realistic expectations for their teams. This includes encouraging time off, setting boundaries around work hours, and providing resources for stress management. By promoting a culture of self-care and balance, leaders can help employees avoid burnout and maintain their mental health.
As a leader, it’s crucial to understand and address the fears and concerns that keep employees up at night. By being transparent, supportive, and proactive, you can create a work environment that fosters growth, belonging, and wellbeing.
Lead From Within: When your employees feel valued, secure, and supported, they are more likely to bring their best selves to work and contribute to the success of your organization.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 11 Things Employees Complain Most About Their Leaders
- 6 Important Tips on How to Prevent Your Employees from Burnout
- 10 Warning Signs You Are Working for the Wrong Leader
- 6 Reasons Your Best Employees Can Lose Their Motivation
- 7 Quick Ways to Make Your Employees Happy at Work
- Why You Need to Stop Pushing Yourself So Hard at Work
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.