Almost two-thirds (63%) of all employees report feeling stressed, which can lead to other problems if not addressed. Workplace stress and mental health issues (such as anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental illness) affect 32% of employees and a whopping 59% of employees.
This is logical, given that so many people have recently had to deal with new sources of stress. Concerns about COVID-19 health, quickly rising inflation, and return-to-work plans may be causing stress for some. In addition, some people may be struggling with other frequent stressors, such as family problems or a long-term health condition.
A normal human response to external pressures is to become overwhelmed, but having the correct tools can help minimize exhaustion, fatigue, and job disruptions. To help your team cope with today’s common challenges, here are some approaches to encourage stress management.
Encourage the well-being of your coworkers
Making stress management a priority in the office can help your employees be their best selves both at work and at home. By providing a wide range of workplace wellness perks, you can encourage your employees to take better care of themselves. For instance:
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Reimbursement for healthcare
There are numerous ways to take care of oneself. Wellness reimbursements might be a great method to allow employees to relax in a way that works best for them. From a gym membership to workout equipment, this could include a variety of services.
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Benefits of financial well-being
Many people’s worries revolve around their financial situation. 401(k) plans, financial counseling, and benefit plans for health care and child care are all examples of financial well-being perks to consider. Additionally, you may be able to assist your employees in adjusting to the rising cost of living by revising their salaries and extending corporate discounts.
There are psychological advantages to taking care of yourself. Benefits like therapy or an employee assistance program (EAP) can help your employees prioritize their mental health and deal with stress.
Make sure you have a good work-life balance
It can be challenging to juggle work and home obligations, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. Ensure that your employees are able to maintain a healthy work-life balance so that they can better prioritize and control their stress levels. Among the options are:
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Vacation time that’s been paid for (PTO)
Ensure that your employees are taking advantage of their paid time off (PTO) so that they may recharge their batteries. In fact, helping others can lower stress and enhance health, so you might want to think about including volunteer time off in your benefits package.
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Flexible work schedules
By allowing your employees to work from home or at other times that suit their schedules, you’re allowing them to better balance their work and personal lives. As a result, you may offer flexible hours, part-time work, or even a four-day workweek to your employees.
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Set Reasonable Targets
Team members should be encouraged to go to their managers if they need help prioritizing or cutting back on work so that everyone is on the same page. This approach can help your employees take breaks during the day, leave work at a fair time, and take time off as needed.
Create an employee-centric company culture
Design an employee-friendly corporate culture where your employees know they’re supported. This will help reduce workplace stress. Included in this approach are:
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Employee Appreciation
Encourage everyone on the team to recognize and thank one another for their accomplishments by creating a culture of acknowledgment. Workplace stress can be reduced as a result of this.
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Identity and inclusion
Biases and outright discrimination can put minority and disadvantaged team members under a lot of pressure. Ensure that all employees feel like they are part of a team and part of a family.
Effective stress management and good mental health depend heavily on social well-being. In order to foster stronger bonds between the members of your team, make time for social activities during work hours.
Design a productive work environment
Almost everyone spends more time at work than in any other place. Creating a stress-free and productive work atmosphere is possible, but it will need a focused effort on the part of the management. There are a number of things you may do to foster a productive workplace:
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Allowance for working from home
A stipend for a home office and reimbursement for coworking space could be offered to remote workers if your company policy accommodates remote work. This will allow your employees to operate in an environment that is best suited to their own preferences.
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Offices with plenty of peace and quiet
Set up a few quiet locations if your office layout permits it for your team members who are already back in the office. Team members need places to gather, collaborate and socialize just as much as they need somewhere to recharge their batteries.
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Get back your focus
As easy as it is to communicate now with modern tools and social networking apps, it can also get in the way of being productive, engaged, and creative. In order to keep your employees focused on their work, encourage them to set aside these distractions.
Conclusion
Everyone has their own unique stressors and ways of dealing with them. Inquire about the stressors in your team’s lives and what they might require to cope with them. Some people may be unsure of their particular needs, or even what they can reasonably expect. Just by having the conversation, you show them that you care about them and are willing to listen to their suggestions and thoughts. The best way to help your team is to keep the lines of communication open and provide a variety of stress management solutions.
