[caz]

Hi

I am sad today. I should be so happy. Tomorrow morning my hubby and I are taking the children to Majorca for a week of sun and relaxation but as per usual I am up at 2am yet again, unable to sleep.

I know why…. the level of work stress I have is just not right. I've got a business, and I have 6 other staff there full time. 3 of us are family, and we get on great, that's not the problem. I'm usually such a positive happy person, but these recent months have driven me to despair. Every staff member / team member has major issues in their private life, such as marital break-up or the death of a loved one, and I have for months now been allowing things to slide. When mistakes were being made, costing me money, I have been leniant because I was trying to be understanding, but now it's got so bad that the mistakes are now taking over and there's more negatives than positives. So here I am at 3am in the morning, stressing out about going away for a weeks holiday, which I know will be wonderful by the time I actually get away, but I am already stressing about what mess I will come home to. This week alone their mistakes have gone into triple figures and cost me hundreds of pounds. For me, it's common sense things. Like a client ordering a certain product, and the wrong one being despatched…simple stupid errors that have come about through a lack of care and effort.

I paid for a motivational speaker to come in on Monday and try to gel the team back together. If anything it's been 100% worse this week since then! I feel out of my depth, and I know I sound like a

nag because I can find so little to compliment them about their work efforts. I do try and work in

positive feedbacks too, but it's been so hard, almost like I am scrabbling around trying to find good things to say just to balance the negative! I thought at first it was me, I thought I was the one leading the team and therefore its coming from me, that they are under performing badly because of my lacks, but having sat down and rationally thought about it I realise that yes it probably is me, but it's been through being TOO understanding about personal issues, I seem to have given them the impression that 3rd rate is ok for now…but for how long? We are in a global crisis financially and I am up at 2am – 3am every morning working hard to make sure I still have a business. I am putting in 100% and getting 10% from my 2 out of 4 staff… 2 of my staff are wonderful and I am nothing but praise for them, but the 2 youngest ones with the personal issues… wow, THAT's where the issues lie.

Sorry for rambling on here… I guess I have no one to talk to about it. No one “gets” what it's like being an employer of a few staff in a small business unless you actually are doing it, and I haven't got anyone in my circle in the same position as me!

I would love to hear from fellow insomniacs who have identified work stress and a major contributor and anyone who has employees with troubles like I have outlined… I am all ears. I need to find a way through this bad patch without losing my sanity!

Happy Easter!

Cx

[Martin Reed]

Don't apologize for venting or rambling – that's part of the reason why Insomnia Land exists! I am self employed, but fortunately (in my opinion!) I have no employees. I can only imagine the headache and stress!

Maybe you could promote one of your trustworthy staff members and get them to manage the staff for you – even if it's just whilst you're away on holiday? Then you could concentrate on managing your business rather than the people that work there!

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

[Silent Night]

Hi Caz,

I don't mean to be rude, and I realise it's hard for small businesses at the moment, but do you have any understanding of how hard it is to be an employee at this time?

I work as a Support Worker for adults with Learing Disabilities, earning £6.45 an hour! I've had two holidays in thirteen years, the last one being six years ago. A few days ago I attended the funeral of one of my people, who sadly unexpectedly passed away after a very short illness. I felt agrieved at having to ask if I still had a job at that distressing time. lay awake at night wondering where I will find the money to decorate my house – which I have to find time to do, replace carpets – which have been laid since my husband and I bought the house eight years ago, re-do the garden, which again we have to do as we can't afford anyone to do it for us, etc. The list is endless! . We have had two holidays in thirteen years!

I don't know you, so I can't say what kind of person you are as a boss or otherwise, but I picked up on the fact that you “try” to be understanding. The word “try” in itself has negative conotations and indicates that you may possibly not be naturally understanding of the people who work WITH you. Could it be that your employees feel a little unheard, mistrusted and taken for granted while you have your sleepless nights surrounding the state of your business on return from sunny Majorca?

Have you thought that instead of hiring a Mr or Ms Motivator, who incidentally, I would find extremely patronising, it would probably be cheaper and nicer to have a team building, relaxing, fun weekend!

Something to even the keel and make your team feel appreciated. After all, how many sleepless nights are they suffering and how is their spreadsheet looking during what is a difficult time for everybody?!

[Martin Reed]

I think it's difficult to be both an employee and a small business employer these days – both face challenges and difficulties (and for similar reasons).

I don't think we can necessarily say that times are harder for employees than they are for employers – since many small business owners are struggling and facing real hardships (just as employees are).

—

If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.

The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

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