Is delegation the solution to stress at work?

We all know that when we have too much to do and or  the wrong type of work and not enough time, capacity or capability to do it- we can get stressed. Effective delegation can support wellbeing at work and address elements of over work, organisation  and  promote role boundaried work. Effective delegation can promote variation of work tasks, development of colleagues, better communication between managers and staff, support peer feedback and autonomy- all factors associated with better wellbeing at work and increased job satisfaction.

Effective delegation is part of time management but often we assume the knowledge and skills to do it well rather than training in the art of delegation. There are conditions at work and in the process of delegation that support its success and others that undermine it working well. Delegation is a two way conversation that follows an agreed protocol. These steps in delegation need to be understood so delegation does not  involve

• Dumping work you don’t like.
• Sending work tasks to people who can’t say ‘No’.
• Propping up a work culture that lacks capacity/capability or the right people and skills in the right places.
• Feeding chaos- passing of excess tasks randomly around the organisation.
• Passing the ‘hot potato’ to someone else.

The work culture is important so that delegation is valued for what it can achieve without taking advantage of others. Delegation should be safe, fair, transparent, systematic and should be focused within recognised appropriate pathway for work tasks. It should be monitored and supported, and where possible, consent driven too. One person’s delegated project with potential benefits of learning about the company, may be actively sought by an eager new graduate, considered an ‘ask too far’ by another  employee and a missed opportunity for another member of staff who feels they missed out on an opportunity.

Have you got a Delegation policy? Do you know the steps? Atrium Clinic, Thrive Law and Agora are running a webinar to support your understanding in this area.

Preventing Stress and Effective Delegation (8/2/23): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/line-manager-training-preventing-stress-and-effective-delegation-tickets-475110968697?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

You might want to go and look at our self assessment resources for stress here too

Situational Stress Questionnaire

Self Management Inventory For Stress Management