Question

The workers at a small tech start up in Rhode Island are often stressed and complain about having heavy workloads. The president of the company wants to figure out how to eliminate some stressors while keeping productivity high. He should most likely:

a. organize weekly activities in the office so his staff have an opportunity to unwind and mingle.
b. change the structure of the office by giving all staff cubicles rather than opened spaces.
c. outsource some of the work so his employees have fewer assignments and deadlines.
d. fire all those employees who complain and hire new ones who are up for the task.

Answer 1

The president should consider adopting flextime and telecommuting options, offer supervisor support to reduce work-family conflict, and improve the overall work culture by valuing employee feedback, over structural changes or outsourcing as first-line strategies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The president of a small tech start up in Rhode Island seeking to reduce employee stress while maintaining productivity should consider several strategies that have been explored and supported by research. Among the recommended approaches, he could implement flextime policies, allowing employees to have a flexible schedule to meet family demands, or introduce telecommuting, where employees work from home during different parts of the day. Additionally, providing support through understanding supervisors, and possibly introducing wellness programs or even on-site amenities could contribute to reducing work-family conflict and improving job satisfaction. It is also suggested that immediate-supervisor support can significantly reduce work-family conflict, possibly through supervised means that embrace flexibility and understanding.

Changes in office structure like moving to cubicles might not necessarily address the stress caused by excessive workloads and may isolate employees further. Outsourcing could alleviate workloads but needs to be done carefully to maintain quality and team cohesion. Lastly, firing employees who voice concerns may negatively impact the morale of remaining staff and hinder the company's ability to attract and retain talent. Instead, fostering an environment where feedback is valued and addressed can improve the overall work culture and employee satisfaction.