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Holiday Stress At Work ...
November 12, 2019
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The holiday season means preparation for annual events, finalized budgets, and general stress. Radio is a part of the continued brainwashing of what a typical Thanksgiving and Christmas should look like for an American family. Many strive for the holiday fantasy projected by all media platforms. There's a need for more balance between fact and myth. I'm not saying there is not any, but the commercial aspect of the holidays is overwhelming and one of the side effects is being "down in the dumps."
The Perfect Holiday ...Not
Your staff is striving for a perfect holiday; for themselves, family, friends, co-workers, and listeners; that's a lot of responsibility. Things happen during the holidays that raise anxieties, staffers response to pressure varies. This is the time of year that station employees should pay extra attention to the emotions and issues around the office.
What's Behind Some Smiles ...
Radio stations are a lot like the mailman, regardless of rain, sleet or snow, the job gets done. The listener/consumer does not know what's really behind some of those cheerful sounds coming out of their radio. Here are some examples of behind the scenes money issues that are heightened by the holidays; reduced number of paid remotes for air talent, agencies more than 90 days behind on paying for advertising and appearance fees, salespersons missing budget, commissions are down, layoff rumors, and no raises.
Observe A Little Closer ...
During the holidays I made it a point to keep my office door open more than usual. It gave me a chance to observe body language, moods, and sometimes engage in conversations; but mostly to listen. I also would walk the halls; visit briefly with the traffic department, the receptionist, sales, and the resident station gossip to keep on top of who might need a little more understanding.
It Was Helpful ...
Those brief encounters provided a lot of information; for example, there was a fulltime personality who took a part-time job during the holidays, one of the female staffers was going through some domestic violence issues --it explained the extra makeup around her eyes some days, and there was an air personality who temporarily took in his sister's three kids.
Did My Homework ...
Many psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors constantly update lists on how to handle the stress of the holidays. I have gone over a lot of them and have chosen a few suggestions I thought would be helpful around your station or cluster of stations.
5 Tips To Handle Holiday Stress At Work
Breath: Breathing is underrated as a way of calming yourself. You don't have to wait for a stressful situation to do it. Make it a point to sometimes just close your eyes, take deep breaths in, and let it out - do it 4, 5, or more times a couple of times a day. Psychology Today.
The Safe Zone: Don't bug people as to why they don't seem to be in the holiday spirit; don't get drunk at the office Christmas party, on so many levels it's not a good idea.
Just Be Nice: It's easy to do, if someone is talking to you about one of their holiday traditions, be respectful with a smile and listen - even if you couldn't care less.
Me Time: Sometimes it's about you. I mentioned taking the time to enjoy breathing. There are other things you could do for yourself while at work. One example; Bring some holiday treats to work. Make them available for everyone to enjoy and stash yours where you can get at them for one of your timeouts during the workday.
Stay Calm: No matter what the emergency is at work, be the voice of reason and stay calm. During the holiday season, a crisis can blow out of proportion due to pressures outside of work. Don't rise to the level of anxieties of others - your attitude could be the calming force to keep everyone focused on solving problems in a timely fashion.
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