Work-related stress is on the increase – due to the modern-day workplace and the demands faced by employees.  With positions becoming far more flexible, individuals are expected to go above and beyond their given roles, and we are finding new job titles and roles developing that were not in existence even 2 years ago. This means learning new skills as well as teaching colleagues, while still trying to complete deadlines.

There is no doubt that a certain amount of stress is a good thing – it helps drive us to be motivated and perform within the workplace. However, the effects of prolonged or excessive stress can include, amongst others, insomnia, anger, decreased appetite, binge eating, withdrawal, obsessive thinking, anxiety, depression and even chronic health conditions such as type II diabetes and asthma.

From a business perspective, putting a driving force behind reducing work stressors will help not only the employees, but also the employers! Excessive stress has been proven to decrease work performance and lead to absenteeism which, in itself, causes more stress! This effects business productivity and increases financial strains to compensate for sick days.

It is therefore in a company’s best interests to develop and implement policies and procedures necessary to provide staff with the skills they need to self-manage the physical and psychological effects of stress. Here are a few ways to combat stress:

Stress Management Training

This is an easy and effective way to help reduce stress in employees and gain a good understanding as to where the stressors are occurring for the employers.

Take a break!

Studies have also shown taking a 5-minute break out of every hour, to walk around and get away from the computer, can help with reducing stress and increasing job performance.

Manage the time you have

Good time management skills will help prioritise work and help reduce stress. By completing tasks which are most necessary, will allow you to prevent feeling overwhelmed, and reduce the risk of the work following you home.

Leave work at work

Checking emails and working from home should be avoided where possible, to keep your home environment calm and relaxing.

Don’t stress alone

If you’re feeling stressed, it is best to share it with someone, who can help you work through it and guide you in the right direction to solve it.

Reducing stress will not only improve the health of our employees and create a better working environment, it will also increase productivity and business gains. It is therefore a win-win for everyone!

Voltedge Management