Trying to Create a Stress-Free Work Environment is a Bad Idea
Not all stress is bad stress
The internet is a vast and expansive place ripe with well-intentioned advice. We have more information at our fingertips today than we ever have before. And as we’ve seen the accessibility of information increase in recent years, we’ve developed a collective understanding that much of the advice strewn across the world wide web is contradictory.
I recently found an article that promised to teach leaders “how to create a stress-free work environment” for their people.
I’m here today with a contradictory take on the leader’s responsibility for eliminating stress from their team’s work environment, and my point-of-view seems to be completely at odds with most of what’s been written on the topic.
I’ve got to be honest — As a self-proclaimed “leadership nerd” and someone who has led multiple high-powered teams throughout my career — creating a stress-free work environment has never been my goal.
Have I worked to create a burnout-free environment? Yes.
Do I strive to foster a toxicity-free environment? For sure.
Am I responsible for perpetuating a hostility-free work environment? Absolutely.
