Ceridian Canada: Ceridian HR Specialist

Ceridian HR Specialist - Insights and analysis for HR professionals

Thought Starter

Each issue, we will pose a "Thought Starter" question to a Ceridian expert and publish his or her thoughts on the subject. We encourage readers to comment and provide their own opinions and ideas using the form below.

Question:
With growing stress in the workplace caused by fear and uncertainty in these tough economic times, can you suggest ways for employers and employees to keep their emotions in check?

Answer:
Submitted by Jim Thomson, VP, HR Operations at Ceridian Canada

Keeping your emotions in check - a tall order in these times.

When I hear and read about the stress that's rampaging through many workplaces and through many people's lives, I'm reminded of a couple of well known verses ...

"... grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; ..." (The Serenity Prayer)

Businesses that focus on the things they can control (like discretionary expenses), and that can keep their employees focused on what they do best will have a good chance of reducing emotions during trying times.

"If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you ... ("If" by Rudyard Kipling)

All of us have a natural tendency to blame outside forces for conditions that are threatening our well-being. Leaders especially must resist the temptation to blame global conditions. Instead, they must find ways of replacing uncertainty with carefully thought out actions; replacing fear with hope. They must communicate the business situation to employees honestly, clearly and often.

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