Harvard Business Review

Addressing Anxiety and Uncertainty at Work

Harvard Business Review

Summary

Anxiety in the workplace has become a pressing concern as many individuals navigate unprecedented uncertainty. Maura Aarons-Mele, host of the HBR Presents podcast "The Anxious Achiever," shares insights on coping mechanisms for anxiety, particularly in relation to work and career challenges during the ongoing crisis. Aarons-Mele emphasizes that anxiety is a common experience, especially in light of recent events, and encourages individuals to acknowledge their feelings rather than suppress them.

Aarons-Mele discusses how anxiety can manifest physically and mentally, often affecting productivity and focus. She suggests practical strategies for managing anxiety, such as designating specific times to address worries, utilizing mindfulness techniques, and recognizing personal triggers. She also highlights the importance of communication in the workplace, urging employees to express their feelings to managers while also advocating for self-care and establishing supportive networks outside of work.

Leadership plays a crucial role in addressing employee anxiety, according to Aarons-Mele. She encourages leaders to be transparent about their own feelings of anxiety, fostering an environment where open discussions about mental health are normalized. By doing so, leaders can create a supportive atmosphere that recognizes individual contributions and helps employees feel heard and valued during these challenging times.

Show Notes

Coping with Anxiety and Uncertainty at Work

18 May 2020

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We often try to push away stress, fear, and anxiety. But success doesn't depend on rejecting these emotions — we can thrive because of them.

This was recorded live on May 14, 2020. To explore these intense emotions and their impact on our jobs and careers, HBR’s Amy Gallo sat down with Morra Aarons-Mele, host of the HBR podcast "The Anxious Achiever" and author of the Big Idea feature "Leading Through Anxiety." They discussed the upsides and downsides of these feelings and how to cope with them at work.

And to go deeper, read HBR's Big Idea series on the topic: https://hbr.org/cover-story/2020/05/leading-through-anxiety

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