Stressed out or hyped up? A study on workload, leadership behaviour and employee wellbeing
This research aims to explore how the impact of high workload on employee wellbeing can be reduced through focusing on stress mindsets and also aims to develop a short and cost-effective line manager training that targets stress mindsets.
Project overview
High workload is the main cause of stress-related absence from work (CIPD, 2023). Yet, organisations and line managers are often unclear how to help employees to manage high workloads and prevent adverse well-being effects, especially if workloads fluctuate and/or are temporarily high.
This research aims to offer a solution through two interlinked research objectives. Namely, integrating research on wellbeing and leadership, this research aims to explore how the impact of high workload on employee wellbeing can be reduced through focusing on stress mindsets.
Stress mindsets encompass individuals’ beliefs as to whether stress is harmful or beneficial for health and productivity (Crum et al., 2013) and initial evidence (e.g., Ben-Avi et al., 2018; Casper et al., 2017) suggests that stress mindsets play a key role for workload and well-being.
Furthermore, building on an established evidence base in clinical psychology, this research also aims to develop a short and cost-effective line manager training that targets stress mindsets.
As workload and wellbeing are considered key concerns and due to the novelty of the research approach, this research is funded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). This research is currently in the stage of organisational access negotiation and data collection. It has obtained full ethical approval from the University of Sheffield.
Data collection involves line managers and their staff completing a 15-minute baseline survey, followed by short, 5-minute long surveys over the course of 10 working days. Once the data collection and subsequent data analysis has been concluded, participating organisations will obtain a personalised feedback report, a free consultation with Dr Kristin Hildenbrand and, if a sufficiently large number of line managers participate (10 plus), the stress mindset line manager training free of charge.
How to get involved
Line managers and their employees will first complete a 15-minute survey. One week later, participants will do daily 5-minute surveys for ten consecutive workdays - line managers once a day, employees twice a day, using mobile phones or computers.
Line managers will receive £15, and employees will receive £35 for their participation. They will also be entered into a prize draw with five £50 prizes (all non taxable).
Benefits of being involved
Following this, organisations will receive a tailored feedback report with benchmarking data, and individuals' information remains anonymous. Dr Kristin Hildenbrand will be available to present the findings and discuss their application in line with organisational priorities. If a sufficient number of line managers participate, a free workshop will be offered to address stress mindsets and the cycle of workload, line manager behaviour, and wellbeing.
Express your interest
If you are interested in finding out more, please email Dr Kristin Hildenbrand by Friday 11 October 2024.
