Supporting Teams During Times of Prolonged Stress
As we continue to work through sustained periods of stress, change, and uncertainty, we may start to observe patterns emerging across the organization that warrant attention. These signs can include, but are not limited to:
- Noticeable declines in morale and engagement
- Increased irritability, emotional fatigue, and interpersonal tension
- Rising mental health strain, burnout, and a sense of disconnection
- Managers expressing concern about negative impacts to team energy and motivation
These may not be isolated, anecdotal moments — they could be early indicators of deeper stress ripple effects that could, if unaddressed, impact performance, retention, and overall organizational resilience.
Recommendations
Here are several proactive steps we can take, many of which require minimal resources but offer high impact:
- Create Consistent Listening Venues
- Monthly Town Halls or Listening Circles with leadership
- Anonymous feedback tools (e.g. surveys, pulse checks)
- Use these spaces not just to update, but to listen and validate concerns
- Normalize Conversations Around Mental Health
- Encourage leadership and managers to speak openly about stress and mental health
- Promote available mental health resources
- Consider leader spotlights or stories on resilience and boundary-setting
- Communicate with Empathy and Transparency
- Acknowledge the challenges candidly; it builds credibility
- Even when no new updates are available, regular check-ins help reduce anxiety
- “We don’t have all the answers, but we are here with you” goes a long way
- Express Recognition & Gratitude
- Encourage peer-to-peer and top-down appreciation
- Highlight small wins, acts of kindness, and resilience
- Consider informal shout-outs or “gratitude boards” on team channels
- Equip People Managers (Partnering with Office of Well-Being)
- Provide conversation guides and signals of burnout to watch for
- Share mental health escalation pathways
- Offer short training on leading with compassion under pressure
- Share available resources.