How to combat stress and conflict at work
Perhaps more than most , high-level EAs can feel the weight of their world ( and their bosses ) on their shoulders . But if you start to feel the strain , what happens , asks David Liddle ?
THE EXPERT
David Liddle is a recognised leader in conflict resolution , cultural change and transformational leadership . He is an author and CEO of The TCM Group , which he set up to reduce the negative impacts of conflict at work by making the most of mediation .
As you will know only too well , the importance of a high-level personal assistant to an in-demand senior manager is immense . In fact , when business leaders aren ’ t being bolstered by their EAs , they ’ re proven to be at a much higher risk of stress , longer working hours and mental health issues . But what happens when the EAs themselves aren ’ t supported ?
According to recent surveys , the importance of an EA is too often lived but not felt by their peers – almost 50 % of assistants are considered as key decision-makers within their respective businesses but far less are said to feel that they are fully supported by their companies .
In these situations , businesses must do more to acknowledge the critical role that EAs play in keeping their worlds turning . If hard work isn ’ t rewarded , feelings of goodwill and cooperation can start to sour , relationships fracture and alliances splinter .
When we ’ re feeling the pressure , we ’ re driven by stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline , affecting our rational decision-making abilities . It ’ s a basic chemical reaction – and one that can lead to conflict .
Reports from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development suggest that over a third of employees experience some form of conflict each year , often resulting in a loss of productivity , low engagement and absence from work . Let ’ s not forget that EAs , like all other employees , are humans with emotion , feeling and a whole host of wants , needs and desires .
Let ’ s look at the connection between stress and conflict A study by Tiger Recruitment revealed 36 % of executives say that their PA helps them to eat well , while a quarter claim they enable them to spend more time exercising and more time at home with their family . But if a stressed EA isn ’ t there to provide a helping hand to their respective boss , chaos typically ensues – and you ’ ve got a problematic working relationship rumbling under the surface .
When people are stressed , it often affects their ability to think rationally . This can lead to poor decision-making , mistakes and low productivity . But because of the stigma surrounding mental health , staff under stress can find it hard to speak
58 Executive PA | Winter Issue 2022