This article is devoted to a large band of us, the small business owners caught in the middle of a pressuring recession. With all of the decision-making, cutting costs, and keeping your businesses afloat, here is some sage advice that will help you in the long-run: never let your employees see you sweat.

Now, I am not suggesting that you hide the state of affairs from your employees. Transparency, particularly during a rough spell, is a prudent way of doing business. Naturally, as the head of your company, or senior officer, you are responsible for your organization or division. In a time of unforeseen circumstances that can permanently impact the bottom line in some cases, mere existence in others, it is always wise to keep calm and not incite already worried staff.

Here are some tips to help you steady yourself and let your employees know that you can weather the storm – with their help of course:

Communication is Key

Communicating, especially during uncertain times, is imperative no matter the size of the company. While employees may not expect senior staff to reveal all of the details about the company, they do want to be kept in the loop. Issues such as company health insurance and pension, as well as pending downsizing are huge issues, and employees have a right to know what may be coming down the line for them.

Some simple solutions include a periodic company newsletter that gives organizational updates. This communiqué, sent via email to all employees, is a good way to stay connected. A message from the President – including encouragement and appreciation for the work the employees continue to do – shows that the corporate head is concerned about open communication.

Routine staff meetings are also helpful in disseminating company updates and answering concerns employees may have. If a tough topic emerges, try to answer to the best of your ability, and keep guessing to a minimum. If you give an answer that turns out to be untrue (like saying no reorganization is pending and a week later, half the stay is laid off), your staff won’t trust you and the faux pas could lead to lower morale.

Recognize Employee Contributions

Even if your budget will not allow for cost of living increases and bonuses, there are myriad ways to salute your employees for the work they do. Employee of the month awards can be a simple motivator. Don’t just give the employee a certificate, feature him in the company-wide newsletter. Or, let the employee park in a reserved space during the month she is recognized for her work. Highlight the hardworking employee on the company’s website and be sure to include some of his work accomplishments. Maybe a few days off will be the reward for an Employee of the Month.

On an everyday basis, managers should compliment staff for a job well done. Whether it is responding quickly to a client request, helping another employee in a different division, identifying a way to save money, or coming up with a brilliant idea that generates lots of revenue, a simple thank you can boost workplace morale. It shows you value your employees.

Accept Suggestions from the Team

Sometimes, one of the hardest things for managers to do is accept suggestions from employees. We often operate in a vacuum, coming up with ideas and implementing them without the value of employee input.

Soliciting and accepting suggestions from staff generate creative approaches to problems, and shows that you value employees’ opinions. In any environment, especially during stressful times, inclusiveness is critical. A team approach, rather than a solitary one, can be helpful in the long-run.

Getting ideas from the team can help improve productivity, shed costs, and create an environment of team work. Great ideas from an employee can also reveal a skill set or ingenuity that can lead to a promotion or new role within the organization.

Sometimes it is good to get another approach to solving a problem. Who better to offer suggestions than employees who are on the front lines?

The bottom line is if employees see you panic, they will do the same. Using these tips can help create a less stressful environment and strengthen your company in the process.