Managing Stress Together
In a work context, stress rarely affects just one person – it always has an impact on the entire team and collaboration. Work intensification, uncertainty or conflicts between departments can quickly affect everyone’s performance and motivation. The approach of dyadic coping according to Guy Bodenmann (2016) can also be applied to organizations: do not experience stress as an individual struggle, but rather recognize it as a common issue and actively manage it.
What does this mean in concrete terms for the company?
Managers or colleagues often believe they are providing support – but in reality, they are not offering what is needed. Perhaps a sympathetic ear would be more helpful than immediate solutions to problems. Or practical support would be more effective than well-intentioned advice. The key is to manage stress together rather than against each other.
The goal is a common attitude, characterized by:
- mutual support within the team
- solution-oriented thinking instead of apportioning blame
- Understanding and acceptance of different stress reactions
- active use of resources within the company
Key questions for coping with stress together:
- What is stressing us out the most as a team or organization right now?
- What feelings and dynamics does this create?
- What specific form of support does each person need?
- How can we establish stress communication that relieves rather than burdens?
In my workshops and consultations we explore:
- Which small actions provide noticeable support in everyday life
- Which team routines reduce stress and restore energy
- How joint stress management becomes a strength in the company
Stress is unavoidable – but how we deal with it together determines whether we experience strain or growth.