One undeniable aspect of being human is our inherent need for certainty. This need was incredibly triggered when we were forced back into our homes — autonomy stripped and survival threatened. This need was also at play in September 2021, when people started taking stock of their own lives during the Great Resignation in the United States.
The moment they step into work, our employees feel that they are just there to do what they’re told. While this is the primitive idea behind employment, studies show that a lack of autonomy leads to high levels of stress at work.
So, how do we manage this negative energy in the workplace?
Trust as an Essential at Work
The most typical scenario at work is that we are always caught doing something wrong, being told what to do, and left without many options to work with. We can alter this approach with a system centered on trust and respect.
Here’s how corporate leaders can do this:
Exercise Accountability
Recounting people’s mistakes to them isn’t effective since they already know they’ve done wrong. The best approach instead of just reprimanding our team is to allow them to fix the problem. We must encourage their problem-solving skills, while guiding them in the background. This lets your people experience autonomy without shielding them from the consequences of their decisions.
Encouraging Collaboration
Let your people have a say. Allow them to share their ideas, actively listen to them, and consider their suggestions if they prove viable. By giving your people the chance to contribute and take initiative, we as managers also find potential pack leaders. This small action will make them feel that they belong and are more involved.
Refrain from Micromanaging
This kind of practice not only creates dependent employees, but workers are also most likely not to exert initiative and exude confidence. In some cases, employees start to detach and disengage from their jobs, negatively affecting their performance and customer experience. By trusting your people to get the job done, they will feel more responsible and are more inclined to perform better.
Leadership comprises hard work of training people, coaching them, and trusting them to get the job done. When we build an environment that fosters this kind of work culture, we stimulate productivity and nurture mental wellness of the team.