Work-from-home stress is a reality that most working professionals cannot escape. Dr Kedar Tilwe, consultant psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital Mulund and Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi shares how supervisors can help reduce work stress.

Be an empathetic boss even as you aim to get things done

The professional hierarchy is an important part of a person’s life. Any form of validation or assurance from their manager can go a long way in boosting an employee’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Often it results in increased output and performance at work.  However, if a person is subject to undue pressure, unrealistic expectations, and harsh criticism then it can have the opposite effect. It can result in loss of motivation, burnout, and sometimes even precipitate anxiety.

How supervisors can help reduce work stress

A small gesture of understanding and empathy can help your junior feel valued and understood. Here are a few tips to help you balance the dual role of being an empathetic boss and a taskmaster.

• Streamline your work and allocate tasks and responses clearly.
•  Have clearly defined meeting agendas and set goals for daily tasks to be implemented.
• Decide on a fixed check-in time during the day to sort through any concerns/ roadblocks.
• Be available if someone wants to reach out to you separately.
• Flexi timings are perhaps the most crucial advantage of work from home. So, focus on tasks completed rather than hours put in.
• Ensure that your juniors feel like a part of the team. Try conducting at least one weekly online townhall for your team to help facilitate interaction.
• Share your experience and offer technical help wherever needed and possible.
• Avoid expression of harsh criticism and rebuttals during talks.
• Use mistakes as teaching opportunities and don’t forget to praise a good outcome.
• Don’t expect exact replication of previous work standards. Allow your juniors some leeway in doing their jobs.
• Most importantly be approachable and mentor your juniors through these times of turmoil!