How to Reduce Stress in the Workplace
Publié le 11 August 2022
Business leaders need to put the time, effort and resources into learning how to reduce stress in the workplace, which will lead to happier employees and better work.
Anxiety, fatigue, headaches, chronic muscle aches and pains – these are symptoms of stress that commonly found in workers employed in all types of industries. It is important to remember the very real human cost of a stressful workforce, which can have serious repercussions on people’s emotional and mental wellness. Businesses must be proactive in creating a good work environment and learn how to reduce stress in the workplace.
Stress can affect employees at every level of a company, with negative consequences for workers and employers alike. Employees who feel on edge and unsupported will not be motivated to contribute to a company’s success, and increased stress has been found to be a primary reason for people to leave their jobs.
In terms of the bottom line, it has been estimated that the loss in productivity and associated side effects caused by stress has cost companies across North America a combined $200-$300 billion in a single year. It is obviously in the best interests of both employees and employers to work together to reduce stress in the workforce.
Care for Your Employees
The most obvious way to learn how to reduce stress in the workforce is to truly care for employees. This includes maintaining a proactive employee benefits package, forming a social committee to help employees blow off steam and feel connected, and exploring special treatments such as massage therapy to directly target the negative effects of stress. By fostering a positive company culture, employees who feel appreciated and motivated to put their best work into the company.
Group Benefits Benefit Everybody
Work-related injuries cause companies to lose billions per year. What is more important than the financial cost is the physical, mental and emotional toll that injuries can take on employees. Physical ailments and the resulting loss of work are also a major cause of stress on employees. Companies should always strive to provide their employees with everything they need to maintain and improve their well-being. Not only because healthy workers are productive workers, but because it is simply the right thing to do.
Injuries which are not properly treated can actually become more exacerbated over time, causing employees continued pain and stress, and greatly affect their performance on the job. It is in the best interest of the company and workers to ensure that employees have access to a group benefits plan, and, as a result, the medical treatments and care that they need to successfully recover. By ensuring that employees can get the proper care, it will greatly help reduce stress in the workplace.
An Active Social Committee
A social committee is a group of employees who plan and schedule events and recreational activities for their colleagues. A robust and active social committee plays an important role in maintaining a positive workplace culture environment at the office. When employees have fun with each other, it can reduce stress in the workplace and encouraging bonding and support.
There are numerous events, both inside the office, at other locations and virtually, which can help workers form bonds, encourage teamwork and relieve stress. Popular activities include lunch and dinner outings, after-work happy hours, karaoke nights, games, city sightseeing and pick-up sports such as bowling, ultimate Frisbee, flag football and more.
While it is the committee who takes the lead role planning these events, it is important that all employees feel they have a say and are allowed to suggest activities and events that align to their interests.
Massage Away the Stress
All jobs are physical, even those which take place in an office. Sitting at a desk for hours at a time takes a toll on the body, even with proper stretching and self-care. Fatigued muscles, sore backs, tight shoulders, neck tension and wrist pain are common side effects of office work. These side effects, and the resulting stress, can all be improved and alleviated through targeted treatment from a Registered Massage Therapist.
There are many benefits to regular massage therapy, according to Onsite Health, such as improving “employees’ sense of wellness, calm, relaxation and belonging – thereby reducing workplace stress and improving productivity”.
Many different companies offer mobile massage therapy treatments for offices and companies. Employers can have the option to schedule regular treatment, normally on a weekly or monthly basis, or to schedule special events and seminars with an RMT to help employees learn more about the benefits of massage therapy.
Maintain a Proper Structure
Another effective way to reduce stress in the workplace is to ensure that the daily processes and structure of a company have been designed with clarity, proper time management and employee success in mind. This means having clear procedures without confusing steps and unnecessary redundancies, avoiding the negative effects of micromanagers, and embracing the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance the workflow.
Stress-Free Workflow
The organization of a company’s workflow plays a large role in setting the tone for their workforce. Workflows which are cumbersome, illogical and confusing are a major detriment to both employers and employees. If a worker is unsure of a procedure and becomes puzzled during an assignment as a result, their stress level will rise exponentially. A confusing procedure also takes longer to sort out, affecting employee time management and might even result in missed deadlines. This effect can be further compounded when it is a new employee joining the company and finding the onboarding process to be stressful and confusing.
A properly organized workflow will allow employees to complete every task successfully by providing a clear and concise outline to follow, while allocating the amount of time needed to do it right. By making sure that employees have the proper guidance and support, they will be able to successfully navigate the company workflow and collaborate with each other without any unwarranted stress or confusion. When employees understand their tasks, it will reduce stress for workers and supervisors alike.
Ditch the Micromanagers
A productive and stress-free workplace environment begins at the top. Managers have to set a tone and provide an example for employees while representing company values on a day-to-day basis. A leading cause of stress at work is ineffectual managers, primarily due to micromanagement.
Micromanagement is when a senior level employee seeks to have direct control over almost all aspects of how other employees conduct their roles. Instead of assigning a task to an employee who has previously proved themselves competent in that area, a micromanager may provide a detailed list of steps and instructions, reacting poorly if the assignment is not completed to their exact specifications.
This puts a great deal of unnecessary pressure and anxiety on an employee, who will quickly find themselves wondering what is the best way to please their manager, as opposed to determining the most efficient way to complete their task. Employees who are allowed a high degree of self-management are happier, less stressed and produce better work.
Supplement with Artificial Intelligence
One of the most prevalent emerging tech trends among companies of all sizes is the use of Artificial Intelligence to improve the workflow process and reduce stress in the workplace. AI can take over many of the mundane and repetitive process from human employees, and complete them quickly and efficiently. As repetitive activities are a known cause of mental stress and anxiety, AI-assisted workflow has the potential to improve the mental and emotional well-being of employees.
A worker freed from performing repetitive tasks will be able to complete more interesting and challenging assignments, pushing themselves in new directions and feel inclined to contribute new ideas to the company. No employee wants to feel like a cog in a machine, and this way they can be assured knowing that they are performing a unique role within the company.
Stress can be a real headache, both physically and mentally. Employees who suffer the effects of stress will not enjoy their job and will have difficulty maintaining a healthy work-life balance. At the same time a company with stressed employees will experience a loss of productivity and an increase in associated costs, all while earning a negative reputation within the industry.
Jobillico believes in creating a positive workspace where every employee feels valued and where company leaders are committed to embracing the latest tech developments to improve the workflow. By reducing stress in the workplace, you’ll be happier.
