The clock reads 4:57 PM. An employee has just sent an email to an important partner but notices a typo as they hit "send." Their heart skips a beat, and thoughts race: "How could I be so careless? Now they think I'm incompetent." Such situations can lead to stress and discomfort, both for the individual and the team as a whole.
The Problem is Not the Mistake, but the Reaction
The intense, self-critical reaction is often more damaging than the mistake itself. Employees may experience:
- A sense of inadequacy that can undermine self-confidence
- A constant need to perform, which can lead to burnout
- Physical discomfort such as tightness in the chest, headaches, or stomach issues, which can in turn increase absenteeism
This constant self-criticism drains employees of energy and joy, resulting in reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. But what if this self-criticism is an old protective strategy that can be changed?
Harmoni: From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion
The Harmoni app is a tool for employees who want to explore and change automatic reactions. Here are some ways the app can be used in a corporate context:
Trigger Mapping
The first step is to identify triggers. Employees can log situations that trigger self-critical thoughts. This could be a mistake at work or comments from colleagues. Once the triggers are mapped, one can start to see patterns affecting the team.
Awareness Process
Use the “Awareness” feature in the app to dive deeper. What expectations did employees have in the situation? What fears lie behind the self-criticism? These insights can help create a more supportive work culture.
Changing Beliefs
Harmoni helps employees challenge limiting beliefs. Instead of thinking, “I must be perfect,” they can start asking questions like: “What if it’s okay to make mistakes?” The AI guidance in the app supports employees in formulating new, more positive beliefs.
StoppStress Exercise
The next time someone experiences the inner critic, they can try the “StoppStress” exercise. They can notice where in their body they feel discomfort, breathe calmly and deeply, and observe if the feeling changes character. This is a micro-training in facing discomfort without fleeing into self-criticism.
A New Outcome for the Team
A concrete exercise for employees could be to think back to a recent situation where they were self-critical. They can write down the situation and their reflections around it. The question is: What would they say to a good friend in the same situation? This can foster empathy and understanding within the team.
How can you as leaders use the StoppStress program to create a more positive work environment? By reducing self-criticism, you can improve team dynamics, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity.
Are You Ready to Improve the Work Environment?
Visit stoppstress.no for more information on how the StoppStress program can be implemented in your company.
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The StoppStress program uses memory reconsolidation to provide employees with lasting tools against stress. Read more at stoppstress.no →