How Do You Navigate Stressful Situations at Work?

Chris Hopper
Executive Vice President – General Manager
Skanska USA Building

Navigating stressful situations at work starts with leaning into your support system. I rely on our leadership team and subject matter experts across the company, as there’s usually someone who’s seen a similar challenge before. Open communication, both upward and downward, is key because it ensures alignment, reduces uncertainty and builds trust during uncertain moments.

I’ve learned not to overreact, since most situations aren’t as extreme as they feel in the moment, and taking a step back allows for a more balanced view. I also try to stay positive. Asking myself, ‘What’s the best possible outcome here?’ helps shift my mindset toward solutions. And if time can help, I don’t hesitate to ask for it, because sometimes just a bit of space can lead to a much clearer path forward.   

Greg Naylor
Vice President of Preconstruction
Industrial Constructors/Managers Inc. (ICM)

At ICM, our preconstruction team is constantly executing bids to keep our project pipeline strong. Since the fast pace can be demanding, we manage stress by holding weekly preconstruction meetings between our Denver and Pueblo offices. These sessions are an opportunity to share ideas, pool resources and support one another. By fostering a collaborative environment where no one feels isolated or overwhelmed, we keep morale high and reinforce our core value of being ‘One ICM.’ A culture of teamwork and mutual support is something we actively promote across the company, because it keeps employees happy and our business profitable.

Marty McCarthy, CPA, CCIFP
Mid-Atlantic Construction Leader
CBIZ

Stressful situations at work are something we all face regularly — but have we ever stopped to ask why? In today’s fast-paced environment, we rely heavily on Teams, texts, emails and other digital tools to communicate. While convenient, these platforms often lead to misunderstandings. We agonize over how to word our responses and still worry we’ll be misinterpreted, which only adds to the stress.

Most of us have received a vague or confusing message that prompted a phone call — only to hear, ‘Oh no, that’s not what I meant. I’m sorry it came across that way.’ It’s a reminder that real-time conversations often offer the fastest path to clarity. When we speak in person or over the phone, we can hear tone, ask follow-up questions and align perspectives — nuances that are lost in written messages.

While technology improves efficiency, we can’t forget our need for human connection. In my experience, the most effective way to reduce workplace stress is through meaningful, real conversations. Encouraging more of them can foster stronger relationships and a healthier, more dynamic work culture.