DETROIT – High-level tech roles typically bring with them fantastic salaries and benefits plus a real sense of prestige. But more often than not, what they also attract is serious long-term stress; a factor which, according to statistics reported by Forbes, now impacts up to 77% of tech leaders since the advent of COVID-19.
Being at the head of any organization requires a certain level of resilience, but tech has been called on to bridge the gap needed to respond to the rapid digitalization of public and private services. Dealing with the stress of being under pressure to make decisions is a key competency for any tech leader.
Understanding the risk
It may sound surprising, but stress can be difficult to spot, especially for tech leaders. Take sleep, for example. As Fast Company notes, some of the biggest names in tech have spoken as to their hectic work weeks; the ambition to innovate and grow within their business driving them to just a few hours a night. However, a lack of sleep can also be a sign of stress, as can restlessness and anxiety. A key to tackling stress is in identifying your reaction to it. Knowing that you feel different, and looking at how the rest of your lifestyle might be unhealthy, is important in arresting the trend and starting to make real change.
Prioritizing yourself
Starting to focus on your own wellbeing and prioritizing that in and out of work hours is the first step. This can help to develop leadership skills, too. Economist Education highlights the beneficial aspects of mindfulness as they relate to stress, but also in how they can improve leadership skills. Mindfulness helps to generate a great sense of self, greater confidence, and a balanced view. It can also foster a good base level to help counter feelings of stress and anxiety. This can be applied to the workforce, and aids decision making.
Keeping it fresh
Burnout is another major cause of stress. Many tech leaders will have been so busy growing their business and adapting to change that they never stop to think about that and the direction of their own careers. A good way to counter this is through refreshing the challenge. Delegate wherever possible to keep tasks fresh. Focus on where you can innovate, and your areas of expertise. Look to network, and find new opportunities for your business and its mission. Finding new challenges, and keeping your mind fresh, can be a powerful way to combat burnout. When combined with other methods, like mindfulness, to help bring resilience into your day-to-day life, you can start to make real progress against the creeping nature of stress.
Stress is a serious health concern and can be a business killer, too. It’s all too common in tech leaders, and it’s something that needs to be proactively challenged. Don’t rest on stressful feelings; look to improve yourself, and take accountability for your health, and then put that back into the growth of your business.
Cindy Warrington is an experienced and passionate health and wellness writer. She spent many years working in hospital and clinic environments before turning to freelancing and exploring her passion as a freelance writer.
