Having a healthy mind and body is undeniably the key to maintaining a pleasant work-life balance.  This is even more true when dealing with customers in the hospitality industry where patrons seek leisure, relaxation, and entertainment.  Hotels, restaurants, and related businesses must have a customer service that emanates professionalism and patience, and obviously, a “people-first” attitude.  Having to deal with a myriad of requests and concerns from different kinds of people can indeed be stressful.

Customer service is mostly known as the department that handles customer questions or concerns.  However, with the prominence of a customer-oriented trend across all industries, truly effective customer service comes from consistently high-quality support from every member of the business regardless of their role or department.  Customer experience starts the very first time a customer interacts with anyone in the team, making it a consistent standard of assistance and support upheld by all members of the business.

So, how can you and your team thrive in such environment?  We asked our Associate Dean, Mr. Greg Zhang, for some tips in stress management for individuals working in customer service.  Here, we gathered five of his points that can also be applied in achieving a healthy work lifestyle.  Read on to find out what she has to say.

REVIEW AND ORGANIZE. 

Mr. Zhang starts with a time-tested advice for any business team, set goals.  “When we try to do too much or set unrealistic goals, it is easy to feel overwhelmed,” he said.  “By being realistic about what we can get done and by prioritizing tasks, it is easier to stay or find balance.”

Indeed, a team that works as one unit with clear goals is most likely to fulfill their individual roles effectively.  Business leaders who include their members in the reviewing and organizing of their business system empower them in the process.  By modeling this kind of information-dissemination and feedback-exchange, team members are able to maintain healthy relationships with customers.

TAKE A BREAK. 

What is a healthy work-life balance without properly-compensated breaks?  But aside from this, leaders and administrators must also provide opportunities for employees to relax and stay healthy in the workplace, according to Mr. Zhang.

“Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga help clear our minds and keep us in the moment so we can regroup and recharge in a quieter, calmer place.”

This is to say that investing in employee’s retention benefit a high-quality customer service.  Keeping team members healthy make it easier for them to stay competent in their jobs, which of course, contribute to the business’ reputation.

KEEP IT MOVING. 

Not only is exercise great at reducing stress,” Mr. Zhang added.  “Sometimes, just getting outside and taking a walk, finding a change of scenery and disconnecting from our email and phone is really powerful.”

This is why providing employees with enough space in their quarters or break areas is important in their overall health in the workplace.  A place where they could spend their hour of rest efficiently and privately helps them return to their jobs more vigorously.

GIVE IT A REST. 

Are you getting enough sleep at home?  Or not only are you sleep-deprived, but also stressed from the dread of a busy day at work each day?   Mr. Greg pointed out the importance of sleep among team members.

“Science has shown that stress and sleep are linked, with stress often leading to insomnia,” he said.  “Getting enough sleep, at least 7 hours, and making that sleep regular, is one of the most powerful ways to keep a healthy body.

As mentioned earlier, every interaction between a team member and customer accounts to the latter’s overall experience. Sleep-deprived and stressed individuals are more likely to have limited patience and act impulsively in their jobs.

LEAN INTO EACH OTHER. 

Mr. Zhang’s last point emphasize a good communication system between team members and leaders and among employees.  Healthy communication in the workplace is shown in feedback-exchange not only about job roles and responsibilities but on interpersonal relations as well.

“To identify patterns like: every time I talk to XX person, I end up being stressed the rest of the day; or every time I agree to lead a team project, I end up doing all the work, helps us make smart choices in the future about the most effective ways to remove or manage those stressors,” she said.

It is important to acknowledge that stress affects us all, although in different ways and varying degrees.  Monitoring when stress is becoming more than just a temporary concern in the workplace is crucial for long-term success.  These tips are a great way to manage temporary stress, however, it is always best to talk to a trusted friend or a professional to get the help you need to feel your best.