How to manage emotions in the workplace
On 14th February, I billion Valentine’s Day cards will be received worldwide. People usually manage their emotions quite well but there are certain days, or anniversaries, such as a birthday, or a wedding or the date that a family member died, that bring memories that make us reflective and sometimes a little sad. When we are in a good place in our lives, these dates can be days of celebration, but for some of us, when days like Valentine’s Day come, they can trigger the remembrance of loss or loneliness.
When people are emotional, they do not work as effectively as when they are stable, and in these situations, managers are often at a loss to know how to handle an employee in tears. Tears are one of those emotions that a manager will often ignore because they feel awkward and embarrassed.
So How do We Manage Emotions in the Workplace?
We know that HR will keep a packet of Kleenex in their top drawer for such eventualities but does the manager need do the same, and would that be enough in any event? Is it, in fact, part of their role to manage tears?
I would say, yes, it is. If an individual breaks down in tears, this is not the time to walk out of the room and telephone HR as if the employee had an infectious disease. Such a situation can be properly managed, but it may take some training.
At the end of the day, emotions are normal, are part of the human condition and are by no means unusual. Sometimes we can hide what we feel, and at other times we can’t.
It’s a matter of letting it ‘hang-out’ when necessary. Like putting a wet garment out to dry in the sun. After a while, the creases disappear and it’s ready to wear again.
