ClearRock

Boston - The rise in the unemployment rate, slower job growth, and increasing layoffs are adding to anxiety in the workplace at a time when employees were beginning to perceive more opportunities with their current and other employers, according to ClearRock, an outplacement and executive coaching firm headquartered in Boston.

"This optimism is now being replaced by greater apprehension over job security," said Annie Stevens, managing partner with ClearRock (www.clearrock.com). "Some employers who had growing concerns about how to retain valued workers have now shifted their attention to keeping employees engaged and motivated during a hot, uncertain summer."

ClearRock recommends these ways for employers to ease workplace anxiety and maintain employee engagement:

*  Communicate frequently, openly, and honestly about the state of business. "This should comprise both good and bad news, including planned layoffs and other cutbacks. Employees who have survived past downsizings are especially worried in an environment of higher unemployment," said Stevens.

*  Discover what employees are thinking. "Use a variety of methods to learn what is going on, including individual, face-to-face meetings, regular staff meetings, and informal company get-togethers," said Stevens. 

*  Manage by walking around. "There is no substitute for managers getting out of their offices, walking among workers and talking with them. There has been more of a tendency to communicate in recent years by email, memos, and in meetings, rather than finding out first-hand what each employee does, and how to help them do it better," said Stevens.

*  Recognize and reward accomplishments. "One of the most common criticisms about managers is they do not recognize and reward individual accomplishments. Even in a tough business environment, employers can acknowledge achievements through low-cost tokens of thanks, handwritten notes, and personal emails, instead of with monetary rewards," said Stevens. 

*  Give useful feedback. "Providing ongoing feedback to employees is one of the best ways to ease anxiety and uncertainty. Feedback should be delivered regularly and not just during performance evaluations. It creates more occasions to interface with direct reports and reinforce positive behaviors," said Stevens.

*  Celebrate individual and group successes. "Recognition and reward need to be shared collectively as well as acknowledging individual employees.  Successes are often the result of individual and group efforts," said Stevens.

*  Involve employees. "Engage employees in a search for solutions to work-related problems and improving operations. This will make them feel part of the decision-making process, which can lead to better financial performance for the organization and employees," said Stevens.

*  Focus on the long-term as well as the short-term. "Employees want to know that there will be a future for them and an interest in growing their careers. Offer workers a long-term picture about the vision for the company, how they fit into it, and plans for their professional development," said Stevens.