Goodbye Sunday Scaries, Hello Sunday Serenity

Halloween may now be behind us, but we arguably face something even more terrifying each and every week – the Sunday Scaries.

For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past few years, the Sunday Scaries are feelings of anxiety or dread that happen the day before heading back to work. According to data collected by LinkedIn, eighty percent of professionals say they experience the Sunday Scaries.

While this weekly impending doom may seem inevitable, there are ways to avoid or mitigate these feelings. It may be useful to set boundaries on the weekend and disconnect from your professional email and other accounts. Taking some time on Sundays to practice relaxation and self-care can also be useful to set yourself up for success. Prioritizing sleep and entering the week well-rested can also be helpful.

While the previous suggestions can assist in mitigating the Scaries, the most effective way to be rid of them forever is to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for yourself and your team. The (perhaps) unfortunate truth is that no amount of yoga or napping can counteract feelings of dread if your team doesn’t feel as though they exist in a workplace where they are valued and respected.

So – how exactly do you go about creating this type of environment? Consider the tips below.

Define Your Core Values

Identify the values that are important to your organization. These values will guide your company’s culture. Ensure that these values align with your mission and vision.

Lead by Example

Leaders play a significant role in shaping the workplace culture. Model the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in your employees. Your actions should reflect the values and principles your organization established.

Communicate Openly and Transparently

Encourage open and honest communication. Employees should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Regularly communicate the company’s goals, progress, and challenges.

Employee Involvement

Involve employees in decision-making processes when appropriate. Encourage them to take ownership of their work and contribute to the company’s success.

Recognition and Appreciation

Recognize and appreciate the contributions of your employees. Celebrate achievements and milestones, whether big or small. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and motivation.

Work-Life Balance

Promote work-life balance by offering flexible schedules, remote work options, and paid time off. Encourage employees to take breaks and maintain a healthy work-life equilibrium.

Training and Development

Invest in your employees’ professional growth. Provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill development. This shows that you value their long-term career prospects.

Diversity and Inclusion

Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Encourage diversity in hiring and provide equal opportunities for all employees. Celebrate and respect differences among your team members.

Empowerment

Empower your employees to make decisions within their roles. Trust them to handle responsibilities and offer support when needed. This can boost confidence and job satisfaction.

Conflict Resolution

Address workplace conflicts promptly and fairly. Encourage open dialogue and provide resources for conflict resolution, such as HR support.

Team Building

Organize team-building activities and events that promote camaraderie and collaboration. Strong team relationships can improve the overall atmosphere.

Feedback and Improvement

Establish a culture of continuous feedback. Encourage regular performance reviews and check-ins to help employees set and achieve their goals.

It’s much simpler than it may seem – if people like coming to work, they won’t dread showing up. Focus on creating a positive workplace culture and watch those Scaries melt away.

About the Author

Alexa is the Director of Marketing at Harper Grey. She serves as the Treasurer of LiL and is also a member of LiL’s Coordination Committee where she assists with content development, event organization and all other things LiL! She is active in the legal community and is the Past President of the BC Legal Management Association (BCLMA).