Many people become stressed while at work. Numerous things contribute to this stress, but the result is the same. Individuals must learn how to manage this stress. When they do so, the entire organization benefits. Why is this so crucial?
Increased Productivity
Stress leads to a loss in productivity. The individual cannot focus on what they are doing and may become distracted easily. They often make mistakes, and these mistakes can harm the business. It takes more time to complete a task. Implementing stress management strategies, such as onsite corporate massage, pays off for a business, as workers will get more done.
Less Employee Turnover
Individuals don’t want to stay at a job that leaves them stressed. Many employees switch jobs when they aren’t happy with one or more aspects of working for a company. They show no concern for how this move affects them or the company, as they simply want to get away from the constant stress.
When a company makes stress management a priority, employees want to stay with the company. They will enjoy coming to work and this will show in all they do while on the job. This is important because employee turnover rates directly affect a company’s bottom line.
New employees come with training costs. In addition, new employees often make mistakes, which can lead to operational inefficiency. When stress management for employees is prioritized, businesses find they cut these costs.
Fewer Sick Days
Stress can make a person ill. In addition, it can lead to a person picking up unhealthy habits as a way to cope with this stress. When employees learn how to manage their stress, they won’t be sick as often. Improved work attendance is of benefit to any organization.
Satisfied Customers
Happy employees represent the company in a positive way. Their interactions with customers are more engaging, which leads to increased customer loyalty. In addition, these customers will share their experience with others. Word-of-mouth advertising remains the best way to grow a business, so every company needs to offer stress management options for employees so they can see this benefit.
Managing Stress in the Workplace-Where to Start?
To actively manage stress in the workplace, a person must know what the stressors are. The easiest way to gather this information is to keep a journal for a few days or weeks. Have employees use this journal to record situations that lead to stress.
When documenting these stressors, ask them to include as much detailed information as possible. This includes the setting, individuals present, and any thoughts and feelings associated with the situation. Also, have them write down any response to the situation in that moment and steps taken once they were removed from the situation.
This journal not only helps to identify those things that lead to stress but also any coping mechanisms used to handle it. This information becomes of help in determining how they can handle similar situations in the future.
Employers can talk with employees about what they have found and make changes based on this feedback. The journals make it easy to reduce stress in the workplace.
Find ways to reduce employee stress today. Companies that do so see positive results in little time. In addition, the entire company culture changes for the better. Employee morale improves and everyone in the company looks forward to coming to work every day. They enjoy the time they spend with fellow employees and it shows in all they do.
