8 ways to lower stress in the workplace

Stress in the workplace is a common issue that can have a significant impact on employees’ productivity and well-being.

According to Statista, the most common stress is work-related with 79% of people saying they have frequently felt it.

Stress can lead to other health problems so it is extremely important employers take this seriously and do their bit to help employees.

In this blog, we look at ways to reduce stress in the workplace and create a healthier work environment.

1.???? Encourage Regular Physical Activity

Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are ‘feel good hormones’ which reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It also boosts energy and reduces fatigue, improving productivity.

Engaging in regular physical activity is fundamental to leading a healthier and happier lifestyle with an endless list of health advantages.

Some ways you can encourage regular physical activity:

???? Offering free/discounted gym memberships

???? Organising team building exercises based around physical health

2.???? Allow for flexible working hours and remote working

Flexible working hours and remote working has become the norm the last few years and has proven a positive impact on employees.

Improving the work-life balance means employees can better manage their time with personal commitments and responsibilities, ultimately reducing stress.

Everyone is different and allowing for flexible working times also means employees can work at their ‘peak times’ optimising their productivity.

Allowing remote working is also a massive positive for employers, as it opens a global talent pool where you can hire the best talent.

See our talent pool of candidates here: https://www.initi8recruitment.com/talent-vault

3.???? Encourage social activity

The average person spends 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime, which is why I think it is extremely important to build healthy relationships with our work colleagues.

Encouraging social activity is a great way to unwind and reduces stress levels, it’s also a fun way for colleagues to spend time together and leads to improved communication and trust.

Having social support and friendships at work all has a part in managing anxiety and stress within the workplace.

Here is an action shot of Initi8 at last year’s Tough Mudder!

4.???? Have a dedicated health coach

Health coaches not only offer techniques to reduce stress but hold you accountable for your health-related commitments.

They are a person to speak too when life is feeling a little tough and you need a new perspective on things, help set realistic goals & educate us with valuable information on exercise, nutrition, stress management and overall wellness.

At Initi8, our health coach Michelle Flynn plays a huge part inspiring us with her team talks and 1-2-1 coaching. She has such a positive impact on our overall wellbeing in and outside of work.

You can reach out to her here: Michelle Flynn

5.???? Lead by example

A employers actions sets the tone for the workplace culture and creating a positive and supportive environment significantly reduces stress.

There are many ways you can positively lead by example:

? Promote a healthy work life balance

???? Promote supportive relationships within your teams

?? Foster a positive attitude towards work

? Respect workload and time

Leaders who embody positive behaviours and support employees can considerably contribute to a less stressful work environment.?

6.???? Offer training and development opportunities

Feeling a sense of progression in your career is highly significant for most employees and plays a vital role in stress reduction. Employees seek acknowledgment as valued team members and aim to contribute positively to the success of the business.

Without this, an employee may feel unmotivated and not feel as though they are secure in their role. This can have a negative impact on their emotions with stress and anxiety being increased.

Offering training and development helps employees enhance skills, increase their confidence, and provides a sense of purpose.

7.???? Set clear and realistic goals

?Giving clarity in goals and expectations reduces stress as an employee knows what they need to work towards and what is expected of them. It also helps employees focus on what’s important and when priorities are clear, its easier to manage the workload and not become overwhelmed. ?

Unrealistic goals can lead to stress and employees can become burnt out which has a negative affect on productivity on their wellbeing.

Ensure to always check in with your employees throughout projects to ensure they are sticking to deadlines and to see if they need any additional support.

8.??? Promote open communication

There are many positives to promoting open communication within the workplace, it creates trust and collaboration within teams.

It encourages employees to share ideas, feedback and perspectives without feeling judged.

It also allows team members to address any issues they have promptly and professionally so resolves issues quickly without escalation.

If employees can be open and honest with each other it will reduce uncertainty and minimise stress.

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By implementing these strategies and prioritising their employee’s wellbeing, they will minimise stress levels and create a happy and healthy environment. ?

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