星空传媒

The granddaddy cause of stress is being responsible for events beyond your control, something to which construction managers are particularly susceptible. There are many roads to that unpleasant state: being cut off from the support of peers and superiors, lack of information because of poor communication, and constant conflict with other members of the project team.

Stress is a booming industry these days, with the TUC reporting a 12-fold increase in stress-related claims last year. Even though construction is among the most stressful occupations, a claims bonanza hasn鈥檛 hit yet. It may be delayed or softened by the industry鈥檚 core values of long hours, machismo and loyalty, but as younger professionals question these values, it would be short-sighted of senior managers to feel immune.

Apart from the threat of tribunals, stress also takes its toll in terms of absenteeism, under-performance and high staff turnover.

There is no quick fix, but the good news is that preventing undue stress in your company dovetails nicely with building a better business. Prevent feelings of isolation in your managers by providing forums for discussion and support, mentoring or even coaching (see Dave Stitt, page 28). Free up lines of communication by encouraging honesty, frankness and moving away from having to blame and shame when a mistake is made. Reduce the amount of conflict in each project by exploring more collaborative ways of working.

It may be better to burn out than to fade away, as Neil Young sang, but there should be a middle ground there somewhere.