Employee stress is a growing problem in the modern workplace. According to the American Institute of Stress, nearly 83% of workers say they feel stressed out by their job on a daily basis. This can lead to a host of health problems, including anxiety, depression, and even heart disease. Fortunately, there are a number of things businesses can do to help reduce employee stress

Workplace stress is a growing problem in the modern world.

What is Work-Related Stress?

Work-related stress is the response people may have when they feel overwhelmed by their work demands. This happens when the pressure at work exceeds their ability to cope or problem-solve.

Workplace stress is mental, physical, and emotional strain caused by negative or demanding aspects of the job. It can be brought on by a variety of factors such as workload, deadlines, interpersonal relationships with colleagues and supervisors, or even environmental factors like noise levels or uncomfortable temperatures.

Symptoms of Workplace Stress

When people are affected by work stress they will exhibit a variety of symptoms. These include: (1)

• becoming increasingly distressed and irritable
• Becoming unable to relax or concentrate
• having difficulty thinking logically and making decisions
• enjoying their work less and feeling less committed to it
• feeling tired, depressed, and/or anxious
• having difficulty sleeping
• experiencing serious physical problems such as:
  • heart disease
  • disorders of the digestive system
  • increases in blood pressure
  • headaches
  • Musculoskeletal disorders such as low back pain and upper limb disorders.

Tips to Help Employees Manage Work Stress

Employers can help their employees manage work stress in various ways. According to the World Health Organization Work Stress affects organizations by resulting in:

• increased absenteeism
• decreased commitment to work
• increased staff turnover
• impaired performance and productivity
• increases in unsafe working practices and accident rates
• increases in complaints from clients and customers
• adversely affects staffing recruitment

Taking steps to help employees reduce stress can have a huge impact on your company’s well-being, morale, and productivity. Here are a few tips to help your employees manage stress.

Encourage your employees to take breaks throughout the day

In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s more important than ever to encourage your employees to take breaks throughout the day. Not only does this help to refresh and rejuvenate them, but it also helps to improve their overall productivity.

Encouraging employees to step away from their desks for a few minutes every hour can help to reduce stress levels, increase alertness, and improve focus. What’s more, taking occasional breaks can also help to prevent burnout.

So if you want your employees to be at their best, make sure you encourage them to take a break now and then. You’ll be glad you did!

Encourage Employees to Review Work and Home Activities and Re-prioritize

It’s always a good idea to review your work and home activities and re-prioritize them on a regular basis. This helps ensure that you’re spending your time on the things that are most important to you and that you’re not forgetting anything important.

The first step is to make a list of all of your activities, both at work and at home. Then, take a close look at each item on the list and ask yourself how important it is to you. Once you’ve done that, you can start to re-prioritize your activities by giving them a new order of importance. By postponing or modifying certain routines/projects (or making things easier), the amount of stress workers are under can be lessened.

Encourage Healthy Sleep Habits

A good night’s sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night. This can lead to a variety of problems, including fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. In the workplace, these problems can reduce productivity and increase employee stress.

To encourage healthy sleep habits, employers should provide their employees with information about the importance of sleep and offer resources for getting better sleep. For example, employers could give employees access to a sleep-tracking app. By taking these steps, employers can help their employees get the rest they need to be productive, happy, and healthy.

Promote exercise and relaxation techniques

Promoting exercise and relaxation techniques is a great place to start. Something as simple as encouraging employees to take a brisk walk during their lunch break can make a big difference. Additionally, providing access to yoga or meditation classes can also help reduce stress levels.

Exercise and relaxation techniques have been shown to be effective ways of reducing and managing stress. They can help to clear the mind, improve focus and concentration, and boost energy levels. (2)

Stay connected to corporate values and community 

Having a strong sense of connection to corporate values and participating in team-building activities can help to reduce stress in the workplace. Companies should make an effort to stay connected with their employees by offering opportunities for collaboration, such as conferences, seminars, or workshops. By creating a supportive environment where employees feel respected and valued, companies can create a sense of connection and help manage employee stress.

Additionally, employers should also encourage their employees to get involved in their local communities. Volunteering for a cause or charity organization can be a great way to give back and help others, while also providing an outlet for stress relief.

Provide Access to Mental Health Resources

Finally, providing access to mental health resources is essential for any workplace. Employees should be given access to counselors or therapists who can provide support and guidance in dealing with stressful situations. Employers should also make sure that their employees are aware of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which are designed to help employees cope with personal problems that may affect their job performance.

Mental health resources can help employees to better manage stress and reduce the risk of burnout. By providing these resources, employers can ensure that their employees are supported in managing their stress levels and staying healthy. (3)

Final Thoughts on Stress Management for Employees

By following these tips, employers can provide their employees with the resources they need to lead healthier lifestyles free of stress. This not only benefits employees’ mental health but also improves productivity and morale in the workplace. So why not give it a try? You may be pleasantly surprised at how much your company stands to gain from investing in its employees’ well-being.

Contact WorkSafe to find out how we can help your company today!

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