Pressure Valve

Libby Anderson, a Naples-based human resources consultant, answers:

It is a rare work environment that is completely free from stress. And yet managers don't often recognize their role in helping staff members manage these feelings. Stress is defined as the reaction people have to what they perceive to be excessive pressure or other demands placed on them. While sometimes stress can motivate in the short run, long term it can result in low morale, illness and work-related injury. There are two basic contributors that bring on feelings of stress within employees: their own personal characteristics and working conditions.

As a manager, you may have "high- maintenance" employees who need more of your attention because of their own personality characteristics. One-on-one discussions so the employee feels more confident of his or her capability, and modeling a positive attitude around the employee, can help. You may also want to consider a referral to an employee assistance program. Frequent communication with the employee and sharpening your listening skills will also be of help. It is often the organizational conditions that can create stress for an employee as well. As a manager, your role in preventing this stress is dramatic.

First, take an honest look at your particular leadership style. Are you autocratic-giving orders and making demands, or are you more democratic-asking for feedback from employees and making decisions that are consistent and fair, based on their needs coupled with the organization?

Second, review your staff's workloads to make sure they are reasonable and that the work provides meaning and stimulation. Part of this includes providing clarity about roles and reducing uncertainty in the environment.

Third, sharpen your communication skills so that you are doing more listening than talking. Find out from employees how they feel and respond when appropriate.

Finally, help employees develop their own skills by providing some type of stress-reducing activities, like training that helps them learn to cope more successfully and team activities just for fun.

Libby Anderson, president of EDA Human Resources Services, can be reached at edahrsvcs@aol.com or at 262-3318. Her Web site is www.edahr.com.

Q: I've decided it's time for my firm to have a Web site. Where should I begin?

Jake Miakota, a Naples-based Web designer, answers:

In today's business culture, a professional Web site is an invaluable business tool for both you and your clients. A site can be accessed at any time and from anywhere, allowing you to gain the greatest exposure for your business. A well-designed Web site will enable customers to find the necessary information they need about your company, extending a company's image and enhancing costumer service needs. Consider these steps that will help when making decisions regarding your new site.

Step one: Do your homework. Know what you want, where you want to go with the site and who your leading competitors are. Even more important, meet your custumers' needs and expectations. Set realistic goals and create a budget that you can afford. The cost of your Web site is determined to a large degree by what you can afford to spend. The complexity, size and needs of the Web site play an important role, as do the level of expertise and experience of the design team. But buyers beware. The old saying "you get what you pay for" is very much alive and well in the online world. Once you have established what you want and how much you are willing to spend, contact a list of reliable Web designers. They should request that you fill out a profile that will include questions that help the designer better understand your needs.

Step two: Leave the production of the site to the professionals. When selecting a Web design company, look at its site and its clients' sites. Ask for a list of references and make a point to contact them. Make sure you are comfortable with your Web designers and feel confident in them. Ask plenty of questions before selecting your designer, and examine their portfolio. Is each project original, fresh and innovative? Good designers should provide their own input into the project, adding to your requests.

Step three: Monitor your site periodically. The best project in the world isn't likely to be successful if no one knows about it. Make sure your designer knows how to effectively help your company by promoting you through the major search engines. In addition to promoting and marketing the site, make sure that your designer will provide you with ongoing updates of the site when needed. So if you need to change the text or update graphics, your designer will be there for you.

Always keep in mind that your Web site serves as a reflection of your company's image.

Miakota is creative director at Converged Technologies, a firm that specializes in marketing design for print, Internet and multimedia. He can be reached by e-mail at info@ctcorporate.com or phone at 254-0957. The company Web address is www.ctcorporate.com.