6 ways to help your employees reduce stress at work
In the wake of the pandemic, it’s no surprise that our collective mental wellbeing has taken a tremendous hit, with stress and anxiety having been frequently cited as the top contributors. So, as part of International Stress Awareness Week, we’ve put together some top tips for employers to mitigate the risk of stress for their people where they have the influence to make the most difference - in the workplace.
There has certainly been a lot to contend with in 2020. Not only have the past several months presented a turbulent climate resulting in an upsurge of mental health problems, but now as the seasons change, many people are also having to combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
But just for a moment consider the following recent statistics from Perkbox, which found that in the UK alone, a staggering 79% of adults in employment experience work-related stress - making it the number one form of stress in the country.
Now, whilst employers can’t tackle all possible factors contributing to an individual’s stress levels, this is one that they definitely can (and should).
Here are 6 actionable yet simple initiatives you can take to make a world of difference for your valued people to nip stress and burnout in the bud:
1. Introduce wellbeing schemes
Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are paramount when it comes to stamping out most forms of stress. Whilst you can encourage employees to make sensible choices when it comes to self-care, why not lead by example? Are there activities you could introduce on a daily or weekly basis, such as yoga or meditation sessions to help kickstart some healthy habits? You could even get creative by turning initiatives into a competition, such as a pedometer challenge or a company-wide healthy eating contest, which can also help to bring in a level of accountability when carried out as a team.
2. Support flexible schedules
Striking a good work-life balance can be a struggle for many, especially where the lines between the two have blurred with increased homeworking. Enabling more flexible schedules for your employees can help them to meet their varied commitments without the limitations of strict working hours. That said, ensure managers keep an eye out for signs of presenteeism, which can also have a negative impact if staff are putting in an unhealthy number of hours.
3. Facilitate virtual social activities
Despite social distancing measures and a second lockdown, there are still plenty of options to bring teams together for a bit of camaraderie and to help your employees unwind. This might be in the form of an online quiz night or a ‘coffee and a chat’ session in the morning. Use these activities as dedicated time to have a little bit of fun and talk about anything other than work. After all, we’re only human and we all have lives outside of it.
4. Give recognition
If your employees have been doing a sterling job, don’t let this go unacknowledged. Telling someone you appreciate them is a great way to boost not only engagement but also morale. Most of us like to know when we are doing good work and studies have shown that recognition releases dopamine in the brain, which creates feelings of pride and pleasure. You could simply write a short letter of thanks or encourage ‘shout outs’ through company-wide employee recognition software, enabling you to sing someone’s praises from the rooftops!
5. Encourage screen breaks
Sitting at a desk and looking at a screen all day doesn’t just cause mental fatigue, it can also result in eye strain, back pain and headaches. And unfortunately, the list doesn’t end there. Whether your employees are currently working from home or at their usual workplace, take steps to help them reduce the detrimental effects of too much screen time. You might be in a position to install standing desks, though you can also take less drastic measures that can still go a long way, such as encouraging staff to schedule stretching breaks during the day or by promoting the Sit 60, Move 3 initiative, where employees take a break every hour to combat inactivity.
6. Communicate regularly
With today’s workforce still facing so much uncertainty, you might be surprised by how much open and frequent communication with your people can help to put minds at ease. This means being honest and sharing bad news along with the good, keeping employees up to date about any upcoming changings and being clear on your expectations of their performance. Remember that communication should be a two-way street and that the more forthcoming you are with information, the more likely your employees will be to share concerns, ideas and thoughts – creating much stronger working relationships and a healthier workplace culture overall.
Want to know more about how you can support employees’ mental health and wellbeing at this challenging time? Discover our full suite of video-based Workplace Wellbeing courses today.
