Employee Spot Light

The purpose of an employee spotlight is to celebrate the great staff at Lower Shore America Job Center and showcase firsthand stories about our workplace. This month, we would like to introduce an employee, Bonnie Nay, employed with the Business Service Department of Lower Shore Workforce Alliance within the American Job Center. Read her inspiring story here!

1.What do you like most about the work you do here?

I love working with people, networking, and trying to help people by connecting them with resources here and in the community.

2. What is the most exciting/interesting/challenging project you’ve worked on here?

The most exciting project I have worked on here is our Insurance Industry Training. It has been exhilarating to see all our ideas and plans come together in the months since our first conversations and meeting about it. You can find more information about that here in the Job Journal.

3. How long have you been with the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance (LSWA)?

I am relatively new here. I started at the beginning of October 2022.

4. How did you get started in the industry?

I started by doing Vocational Rehabilitation working with people with disabilities and helping them find employment. I also worked with businesses in our community to place young people into work-based learning experiences through another nonprofit program in our area for several years.

5. What drew you to apply for this position and why?

Another employee told me that this was a nice place to work. The job is also very similar to my work in my last position, which I really enjoyed.

6.What do you enjoy most about working at Lower Shore Workforce Alliance?

I really like my co-workers here. We have a great team. I also like that I get to do a few different things as part of my position here.

7. What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job?

My job description also includes working with young people to place them into work experiences to help them learn essential job skills and find a career path that interests them. The youth program is special to me because one of my sons went through a program like this, and it helped him decide on what path he wanted to take after he graduated from high school.

8. What was your dream job or profession when you were a kid?

As a kid, my dream job or profession was to be a detective like Nancy Drew. I have always liked creative problem-solving and putting puzzle pieces together. In the Human Services profession, those skills can often be applied by figuring out the best ways to help people.

Thank you, Bonny Nay; we are so glad to have you on our team. With your professional experiences, drive, and motivation, we can accomplish almost anything within the American Job Center.

24

Most of the stress we experience comes from our jobs and worksites. Stressed workers are more likely to smoke, drink, be inactive, eat poorly, have relationship issues, and get sick more often. All of this means decreased productivity. Thankfully, employers can help to manage stress at work

Job stress costs billions of dollars every year because it leads to more absenteeism, medical expenses, and workers compensation claims.

Here is a comprehensive list of the main causes of worksite stress and a corresponding list of successful and creative ways to help employers reduce stress at work and help employees manage stress.

Worksites and wellness programs that have good control of stress at work have healthier, more productive employees. They also have lower health care costs.

EMPLOYERS CAN MANAGE STRESS AT WORK IN 2023

Dr. Steve Aldana

Last updated Feb 7, 2023

1) Lack of understanding about leadership structure and roles

A lack of understanding about leadership structure creates stress. When employees understand leadership structure, there is less conflict, which enhances productivity and morale.

Do This: Create and honor a clear leadership structure so everyone knows to whom they are accountable. This will improve the efficiency of work and contribute to a more relaxed environment.

2) Lack of job feedback from leadership

Unless employees receive feedback, they can worry about their job performance even when they are doing well.

This can make it hard for employees to manage their stress. When leaders communicate with a spirit of encouragement, employees feel reassured and are more likely to communicate with leaders, especially during difficult challenges.

Do This: Employees need regular performance reviews. Employees need to know if they are exceeding your expectations or have things they can improve. Involving them in the process and letting them to set their own improvement goals will improve relationships and increase job satisfaction.

Do This: Encourage sharing in staff meetings. Ask for employee suggestions then share them at meetings. This will increase trust, motivation, and performance, all of which reduce stress.

Do This: Communicate regularly by email, newsletters, calls, chats, etc. This builds a relationship of trust. Whatever the form of communication, make the message simple, clear, and relevant.

3) Employees need to understand company vision

When employees understand company vision, they can see how their efforts fit into the big picture and it is easier for them to focus their energy on helping achieve company goals. Understanding and working toward a shared vision gives work a higher meaning, improves performance, and helps employees manage stress.

This is also true for stress management and wellness programs. Here is everything we know about getting strong leadership support for wellness efforts

Do This: Consistently share the company vision with employees. Make it easy and fun to remember. Give your employees a small token to remind them of the shared vision!

4) Employees need to understand how their roles contribute to company success

When employees understand how their role fits with company goals, they will be more likely to engage and contribute. They will also develop a sense of control over their work duties, which can help manage stress levels.

Do This: Make sure that employees know the company goals and have a chance to identify ways they contribute. Small group meetings are a good way to help employees connect company goals to individual roles. Leaders can reinforce the importance of employee roles when they praise employees. Recognition results in increased security and productivity, and can decrease stress.

5) Employees need to understand their job responsibilities

It is stressful when job expectations are confusing. When employees understand job responsibilities, they will feel calmer and perform better. Work stress and employee health have a direct impact on employee productivity.

Do This: Make sure every employee has a specific job description that they helped create. Provide guidelines but let them tweak it. This description should outline daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly responsibilities. Make sure the job description provides the employee with a chance to grow and be rewarded.

. Workplace Stress Caused by Unhealthy Workloads

6) Work shifts need to be reasonable

Too many hours of demanding work will wear down and exhaust employees. Everyone needs time away from work to rest, recharge, and take care of other duties. A work/life balance helps maintain physical and emotional health and improves productivity. It also helps employees to manage stress. Encouraging employees to spend time on hobbies, family, and friends allows for a healthy work/life balance and shows your genuine care for their wellbeing.

Do This: Limit work shifts 10 hours or less and make sure employees have adequate time to rest before their next shift. This will improve morale and productivity, and reduce the risk of work injuries.

7. Employees should be encouraged to take breaks during the day to help manage stress

Short breaks throughout the day allow employees to recharge and refocus. Regular breaks help employees work more effectively. {Continue Reading} https://www.wellsteps.com/blog/2020/01/02/manage-stress-at-work mwejobs.maryland.gov

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