As much as possible, keep a positive atmosphere

By Nicole Lucht

Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Joan Burge, head of Office Dynamics Ltd., a Las Vegas-based workplace training company, offered tips for employers looking to ease anxiety in the workplace:

• Ask open-ended questions about employees’ concerns, especially of top workers. How do you feel about what’s happening in the world? What are your concerns about your job?

“At times like this, you do not want to lose your top performers. They are what’s going to hold you together and keeps your company afloat during these tough times,” she said.

• In addition to an open dialogue, keep employees informed through a weekly e-mail focusing on positive goals and steps that everyone can take as an organization.

• If there are major changes coming, give advance notice.

• Do positive things to keep your team focused on goals through strategic meetings.

• Give clear assignments and directions.

• Quit feeding the negativity, which Burge calls the dragon.

• As a manager, take control and responsibility, and provide guidance by giving direction to employees.