Understanding the effect of stress in the workplace.

Unclear responsibilities, lack of communication, long working hours, excessive workload and poor feedback are some of the top causes of stress in the workplace.

According to the HSE, there are over half a million cases of work-related stress in the UK every year. We may get caught up in daily tasks and overlook the importance of creating a stress-free work policy. Workplace stress comes with a hefty price tag. Besides affecting employees’ health, stress also deteriorates team synergy.

Stress in the workplace is widespread and has no boundaries. It comes in all forms and can cause all kinds of organisation issues and concerns.

Whatever the reason that is keeping you from employing stress management techniques in your organisation, it is a big mistake. When it comes to stress management, some employers think that it’s just the employees who will reap the rewards, WRONG!

From a more loyal workforce to increased productivity, you will benefit greatly from adopting stress management techniques.

With proper stress management in the workplace, employees display strong leadership, work effectively as team members and deliver better results to achieve the organisation’s goals.

To help employees cope with stress before it affects their performance or health, you can do the following:

• Clearly define employees’ roles and responsibilities.
• Address known issues.
• See that workloads are in line with employees’ capabilities.
• Give employees opportunities to participate in actions and decisions that directly affect their jobs.
• Improve communication to minimise uncertainty about future employment prospects and career development.
• Create work schedules compatible with responsibilities and demands outside the workplace.
• Provide occasions for social interaction among employees.
• Establish employee wellness programs and initiatives that offer professional and confidential counselling.

Spotting the signs

Pinpointing potential causes of employee stress in the workplace is a great prevention strategy. There are many behavioural and physical cues that point out that employees are affected by stress factors. Common manifestations include losing patience, absenteeism, withdrawing, increased frustration, snapping, lacking focus and venting.

If left unaddressed, these concerns will ultimately affect morale and profits.

This article has curated a list of 5 reasons why creating a stress-free work policy is essential to your organisation’s success.

1 Reduces absenteeism and turnover

Stress is undoubtedly the leading cause of absenteeism in the workplace. When you force your employees to fit both personal and work demands within the confines of a structured 9 to 5 job, that’s a recipe for disaster! Creating a stress-free work policy means that there will be a decrease in the number of sick days taken by employees. Less stressed employees are also more likely to stick around. Research also points out that prospective employees are more likely to work in an organisation that advocates for a low-stress work environment.

2. Improves your ability to motivate your team

Stress affects the morale of your employees. Employees will start becoming distraught, distant and unfocused under stress. In such times, your workers look up to you for direction and guidance. When you employ stress management programs in the workplace, it shows your employees that you care. This will boost their morale and motivate them to ensure they stay focused on their jobs and performance.

3. Increases individual productivity and responsibility

Employing stress management strategies reduces the chance of poor decision making or customer complaints, even in the most stressful situations. Managing stress in the workplace will keep productivity levels at sustainable levels.

4. Strengthens the communication process

Ambiguity and poor communication in the workplace can be a cause of employee stress. Identifying a problem and addressing it strengthens the communication process. Respecting what each employee has to say can create a stress-free work environment. By giving your employees a voice, you allow them to contribute. Acting on the suggestions will enhance workplace satisfaction and have a lasting impact on your organisation’s bottom line. When employees know about their roles, how they are performing, and whom they can turn to for help, you are doing it right.

5. Builds trust

Your workplace needs to be a place of trust and mutual respect. Through stress management strategies, your organisation can build trust both for you and your employees. When employees are stress-free, they associate themselves with the organisations they work with which will benefit you loyal employees.

Conclusion

Stress cannot be wholly eliminated, and a healthy amount of stress enhances creativity and productivity. When physical, mental and emotional well-being of employees are balanced, your team provides the greatest contribution to your organisation’s goals.

The benefits of creating a Stress Free Work Policy is one of the modules included in our online training course. For further details please Click Here