Control in the Workplace

One of the greatest causes of depression and anxiety is the feeling of lack of control.

In a study of the government sector in England, Michael Marmot found that those with no control over their work were more likely to be depressed than those with highly “stressful” positions of authority. The higher people climbed the organisational hierarchy, the more control they had over their actions and the less they were likely to suffer depression.

Whilst the ultimate decision making will always reside with the manager, it is important that the workforce feel a sense of control over their work. As a leader, recognising this and delegating responsibility can be a means of providing such control, demonstrating your trust in the team and also alleviating yourself of some tasks so that you can concentrate on other work. You don’t transfer the full responsibility, but if you trust your team, they will provide you with the outcomes that you can fully buy into.

If the work doesn’t lend itself to that level of delegation, there are still ways in which you can engender a feeling of control for your team members.

• Provide an environment which encourages feedback and input from everyone.

• Involve the team in team meetings so that they feel a sense of belonging

• Communicate how their role contributes to the overall objectives of the business - the purpose.

With a greater sense of belonging and purpose, the feeling that they have an element of control and influence will raise their sense of worth and enhance their lives both at work and at home.