Stress management tips to cope with increased work during a pandemic

The pandemic has wrought many changes to the workplace, including the scope of work for human resource (HR) decision-makers. Many of these changes were, and continue to be, stressful as organizations continue to adapt to the needs of their workforces and markets.

According to a Survey Report conducted by JobStreet between the May 13 and June 1, 2020, the majority of hiring/HR decision-makers (83%) had experienced a change to their scope of work since COVID-19, with 46% seeing an increase and 37% a decrease.

Increased workloads

The survey found that decision-makers were more likely to have experienced an increase in their scope of work if they were employed by medium-sized organizations and were working in senior-level roles. It also noted that decision-makers in junior roles, meanwhile, were more likely to have experienced a decrease in their scope of work.

The survey also found that majority of hiring/HR decision-makers (89%) were happy with their jobs prior to COVID-19, whereas only 60% are happy now.

In order to help these key personnel, organizations may want to consider providing manager support. The efforts to address COVID-19, and the discourse on these efforts, has revolved mostly around employee burnout. That said, employees often look to their managers for support as well.

With heavier workloads to deal with, managers also need support so they provide better and more effective leadership, even under the stress of a pandemic and the problems this brings to their tables.

Just as you are advised to put your oxygen mask on before tending to others who may need help putting their oxygen masks on during in-flight emergencies, managers must be given ample support so they can save their organizations and its employees.

Productivity tips for HR Decision Makers

COVID-19 has organizations shifting their expectations in terms of organizational expansion, expenditures, decisions on manpower complements, and assignments and workloads. HR decision-makers must also come up with tips for stress management and productivity that will help their employees cope and survive the challenges of the times. Quarantines, new logistical modalities, sanitation and safety issues and methods for assisting an organization’s workforce must come into play. Many of the challenges HR decision-makers now face are stressful, including whether to retrench their employees, have them work from home, and to reduce their pay so the organization can weather the financial losses triggered by the pandemic. Here are some ways to mitigate leadership burnout.

• Schedule check-ins with employees to assess current challenges and workload.

• Manage workload by sticking to a schedule, knowing when to say no, and to delegate as needed.

• Create a culture of self-care. Discuss opportunities with organization owners for fostering healthier habits across all levels of these organizations.

• Shift from a “command and control” leadership style to one that is more business continuity oriented, which is more sustainable and prevents burnout.

Read more tips from HR experts on how to keep your organization afloat while maintaining employee safety and productivity.

Self-care, and shifting mindsets, are easier said than done under this pandemic, but they are crucial strategies for HR managers to lead more productive work lives so they can better care for their staff.

HR managers can streamline their work by doing more in less time using JobStreet tools like Talent Search and #WorkNow so you can find and connect with candidates more efficiently. 

And for more insights on best practices during COVID-19, visit the Jobstreet COVID-19 Resource Hub for hirers. #TogetherAhead, we rise above our challenges.