5 Ways Tech Vendors Can Make It Through State Fiscal Year-End with Their Sanity Intact
If you’re a technology solutions vendor, you’re about to enter a crazy busy time of year. It’s state and local government fiscal year-end season! The days are getting longer, and time is running out to close those year-end sales deals before June 30th.
Work is already a top source of stress for many Americans – you don’t need anymore. So, we’ve compiled some stress management techniques that will help you thrive and survive SLED fiscal year-end 2019!
1. Identify and Manage Your Stress Triggers
Coping with stress starts with identifying your stress triggers. Common triggers include obstacles to getting your job done efficiently, unrealistic deadlines that make you feel rushed, endless emails, or interruptions.
Look for ways to resolve these. If you experience several triggers, rank them by the most persistent. As the Mayo Clinic points out “…the best way to cope with stress is to find a way to change the circumstances that are causing it.” Try talking to your boss, set realistic expectations and goals, prioritize your tasks and keep an eye on that list throughout the day, and block off time so that you minimize interruptions.
2. Have an Outlet
There’s no escaping the fact that it is busy season, but you’re not invincible either. To avoid burnout, carve out time for yourself. Take a walk at lunchtime. Walking gives you time to think, away from your stressors. Scientists suggest that a 10-minute walk may be just as beneficial as a 45-minute workout.
Try not to eat at your desk – take a proper break. Listen to music during your commute rather than the news. And avoid checking email as it comes in – set aside blocks of time to check your Inbox, and never at home.
If things are getting too much, meet with your supervisor, explain your concerns and try to arrive at a plan so you can perform at your best.
3. Pay Attention to What You Put in Your Body
When you’re under pressure to work longer hours, you probably find yourself hitting up the vending machine, coffee pot, or eating too many processed foods. But these foods can make you feel more stressed and anxious. Instead, opt for whole grains, fresh unprocessed meals, lots of water, and other foods that can help you beat stress.
4. Reap the Benefits of Wellness Programs
Stress isn’t just a one-time event if it’s not managed it can lead to long-term health issues, so take advantage of the resources available from your employer.
Data shows that employees who participate in their company’s wellness programs report higher job satisfaction – often 67% more satisfied than employees in companies who don’t offer such programs. These benefits can range from nap rooms to on-site gyms, stress management workshops and preventative health screenings.
5. Lean on your Government Partners
Government contractors and aggregators, particularly in the busy IT sector, know exactly what busy season means to technology providers. Find out what your contractors can do to make your job a bit easier at this time of year.
For example, what sales and marketing programs are they currently running to support your year-end efforts? Can they do some of the heavy lifting when it comes to responding to RFPs and quote requests? Do they have the contracts and contracting expertise required to make the procurement process simple, quick and easy for you and your SLED customers? Now that would be a lot of weight off your shoulders.
The Takeaway
SLED year-end is a stress factor that isn’t going to go away. Yet there are steps you can take to prevent and even turn-around any stress you’re experiencing with some forethought, action, and focus on self-care. Contact DLT today to learn more about how we can help you maximize your State Fiscal Year-End opportunities.
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