Workplace stress is a challenging issue for employers. According to The American Institute of Stress, “65% of workers said that workplace stress had caused difficulties.” As an employer, it’s your job to see what’s causing issues in your company. Getting to the root of the problem is essential, and you can use some de-stressing tactics to handle stress from a different angle. Here are some ways to help your employees deal with stress.
1. Encourage Employees To Use Meditation Apps
Meditation has become accessible in the last decade. Apps like Calm and Headspace have made a big splash with consumers dealing with stress. These apps help their users sleep better and take time for meditation daily. Luckily, these applications are also well-used at the corporate level. Many businesses have purchased subscriptions to these applications for their employees.
2. Have Regular Career Talks With Employees
It can be easy to get stressed out if you don’t know where you stand at work. Employees need to understand their career trajectory, especially if the organization is going through a lot of upheaval or change at the time. Your career talks have to go beyond annual reviews. Make sure you are keeping employees informed about where they are and how they can improve at work.
3. Provide Consistent Recognition For Your Employees
Another way to show employees how much you care is to provide consistent recognition for your employees. You can use Levy Recognition’s employee engagement program Elevate to recognize your employees. You should also offer other recognition opportunities like quarterly or yearly awards ceremonies.
4. Host Weekly Free Group Exercises Classes
Exercise can often help reduce stress, but we don’t all make enough time for it. If you work from an office, consider getting a rotating group of fitness trainers in the office for a class. Your employees will appreciate getting away from their desks for a while.
5. Spend Time Correcting Work/Life Balance
Many employees like work/life balance. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overwork yourself and end up stressed out. Companies that can focus on work/life balance have employees who are more present and focused at work (because they can take time off.)
Here are some ways to improve work/life balance:
● Stop sending messages in the evenings or on weekends.
● Encourage employees to take extended time off.
● Take more collective days off besides holidays.
● Switch to a four-day workweek.
6. Create A Stress-Free Office Environment
Last but not least, it’s crucial to create a stress-free work environment. There are many ways you can reduce stress by tweaking your environment. Here are just a few ideas to help you do this.
● Paint the office a calming color like sky blue, blush, or pale yellow.
● Encourage employees to decorate their office with things that calm them.
● Add stress-reducing items to the office like tea or stress balls.
● Discipline employees who create stressful environments for other employees.
Conclusion: Your Employees Shouldn’t Need To Be Stressed
Helping your employees reduce their stress levels can have a positive impact at work. It can be challenging to have these conversations and get employees to admit what’s bothering them, but it’s worth it. Once you’ve identified the issue, work on solutions, and use these methods to reduce stress at work further.