Dealing with stress at work is commonplace, and it has major effects on the physical and mental well-being of workers. The average professional has up to 100 projects on their task list at a time and experiences multiple distractions every hour. Corporate restructuring, low staffing, and an increase in uncertainty about the future can all contribute to employee stress as well.
When people feel high-stress levels at work, their productivity and engagement levels tend to drop. It is important for workplaces to invest in stress management techniques to help employees combat burnout and the effects of stress.
Implement an Employee Wellness Program
Wellness programs in the workplace are on the rise, and for good reason. A properly executed program can improve employee productivity, boost retention rates, and even lower health care costs for an organization. Wellness programs vary widely in what they offer, but companies must provide a few key benefits to their employees when aiming to lower stress levels. These include employee assistance programs and health risk assessments.
An employee assistance program provides access to mental health resources, which employees can use to learn how to better manage their stress. Health risk assessments provide insights into the risk factors of a person’s lifestyle and health choices. If an employee understands that their high-stress levels are contributing to their high blood pressure and increased risk of obesity, they may be more likely to seek treatment. Other options to include for stress reduction include workplace meditation or yoga sessions, designated rooms for rest, and accommodations for employees.
Continue To Learn About Workplace Wellness
Workplace wellness has become a hot topic across many industries as organizations look for ways to support their employees. New research and data continue to come out showing which wellness resources are highly utilized and which ones are not as appealing to employees. If a workplace wellness program is not updated regularly, it may not meet the needs of modern workers or adapt to the ever-changing business world.
By investing in ongoing education about workplace wellness, you can ensure that the programs and options offered to employees provide real benefits. You can enroll in an online course focused on employee wellness and stress management to learn ways to manage your stress better and identify how you can become more resilient. The course includes opportunities to set goals, participate in self-reflection, and define wellness priorities, ensuring that participants walk away with information that they can implement right away.
Enhance the Workspace With Soothing Elements
An employee’s surroundings can also play a role in how they feel while at work. Consider enhancing your workspace with elements that can reduce stress levels. Adding plants can reduce feelings of tension by up to 40%, promoting feelings of peace and tranquility. Exposure to natural light can also reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Although some stress at work is normal and every employee will experience it at times, learning to manage stress levels is an important tool in improving your health and well-being. By implementing some or all of these strategies, you can reduce your stress at work and feel more relaxed every day.
