In the U.S., 83 percent of workers experience work-related stress at the cost of 300 billion dollars a year. Statistics show that mental health conditions are increasing, and occupational stress plays a role. Incorporating stress management in the workplace can create a healthy environment that supports employees and their emotional health and wellbeing.
Stress is an automated response that is difficult to control. Stress management takes approaches to help employees develop resilience and coping skills. The goal is to equip them with mechanisms that prevent or relieve stress.
No two people react to each situation the same way, but there are some common types of workplace stress, such as:
Workplace stress can involve several of these issues, but often there is a top trigger. For example, long hours may accentuate other stressors.
Just like no two people react the same way to each situation, effective stress management techniques can vary from person to person. Some common individual stress relievers would include deep breathing exercises or taking a walk.
Companies can also instill policies and programs that help employees better understand the stress and manage it. They can also take steps to eliminate the common causes of stress, like allowing for flexible work schedules and ensuring employees have the resources they need to do their jobs and engage in self-care.
For some, stress is motivating, but for many, it can have a negative impact on job performance. It can lead to a lack of energy and focus. Stress can also reduce creativity. High stress levels may lead to more sick days and health problems like high blood pressure or migraine headaches.
One survey found that a third of workers in the U.S. went to the doctor for something related to stress. Fifty-one percent of respondents on another said workplace stress was one of the biggest contributors to poor productivity. It affects the quality of their work and their relationships with supervisors.
Stress management helps employees find a positive way to build resilience to stress. That comes with some impressive benefits such as:
Both employees and employers need to learn to recognize the warning signs of stress in the workplace. They could include:
Stress reduction strategies in the workplace can help relieve these symptoms.
Employers who create programs for stress management in the workplace may see improved performance and employee loyalty. Some examples of effective stress management strategies include:
Any of these strategies not only help employees manage stress but also make them feel valued.
Sometimes stress management in the workplace comes down to employees knowing what to do for themselves if they feel stressed. For instance, they might stand up and stretch at their desk. If possible, they can take a walk outside or even around the building.
Some people benefit from deep breathing exercises and meditation. These are things you can do at your desk or workstation for quick relief.
Physical and mental health should always be a priority for employers. Holistic wellbeing solutions like Grokker offer stress management programs that help employees focus on creating healthy habits and coping techniques. Making programs like these a benefit for employees means they will be healthier and more motivated.
Stress has a profound impact on the body. It can wreak havoc both physically and mentally. It just makes sense for employers to take steps for stress management in the workplace, including programs like exercise, mental health counseling, and nutrition planning.
[Read More: Grokker Innovation Labs 2021 Working Americans’ State of Stress Report]