Ways To Cut Down On Employee Stress

by | Mar 28, 2019 | Business Excellence

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a white t-shirt, sits at a desk in front of a laptop. Her eyes are closed, and she has her arms open with palms facing up, appearing to be meditating or alleviating employee stress. Sunlight streams in from a window behind her.

Employee stress is a problem that employees and companies alike have to deal with. Pressure is inevitable in the workplace. However, when no reins are put to it, it can have adverse effects on employee productivity and health. These effects include a weak immune system, high blood pressure, headaches, stomach aches, and hair loss. Additionally, it breeds problems with teamwork and concentration and this cuts on productivity. So what can employers do to alleviate this? Here are some steps that will see employee stress reduction in the workplace:

Walking groups

Exercise has been used for many years to combat stress. In the workplace, you can arrange for groups to embark on short walks at work throughout the day. One group can take a stroll during lunch hour while another group counters the afternoon slump by walking around the block at that hour. Allowing employees to embark on short walks will not only fight work-related stress but will also offer them a break and be the exercise boost that they needed all along.

Switching to Decaf

Oblivious to many, caffeine is an organic anxiety booster. It gets emotions and energy flowing, and this can spike stress levels. While most people rely on coffee in the morning to kick-start their day, it is not necessary for the afternoon. For this reason, switch to decaf in the afternoon. This way, you will not be exposed to caffeine which could have adverse effects in stressful situations.

Occasional stress busters

Stress-busting activities not only relieve stress, but the act of anticipating them could act as stress relief. You can have this effect on employees by bringing these activities into the workplace. For example, you can have a yoga instructor come over on Thursday afternoons. Or you can have a masseuse set up shop in the lobby on Friday afternoons.

Bright aesthetics

However trivial this might seem, decorating the office or giving your employees the freedom to decorate their offices can help reduce workplace stress. You can light spaces by allowing in natural light or using colors. Employees can also be allowed to set up their workplaces, decorate and organize them. The more they find the workplace to be personalized, the more comfortable they’ll be.

Clear communication

Employees shouldn’t have to be stressed with trying to understand what management expects from them in a particular task. They should be left to focus on the job they are required to do. This calls for clear communication from leadership teams. This could be through memos, meetings or emails. What is expected of the employees should be defined, and their questions should be answered.

As an employer, stand against work-related stress by helping employees manage their stress levels and become healthier mentally. This will see them do better at their jobs.