Haven’t we all thought something like this at one point or another: If workplace stress were cash, I could retire to a private island.
But workplace stress isn’t cash. And despite living in a world that seems to thrive on pressure, we are never richer for experiencing it. Occasional stresses such as a flat tire or getting caught in a traffic jam are normal, but chronic stress in the workplace can have a disastrous impact on your productivity, and your life.
What is Workplace Stress?
Stress is the way our body reacts to external stimulus. And workplace stress is the specific, serious, emotional & physical response to difficult workplace situations. If the capabilities, needs and resources of a worker are incompatible with the requirements of the job, or the situation, that employee will experience workplace stress.
Can You Recognize the Warning Signs of Stress?
We all experience a rough week at work now and then, but chronic exposure to stress can have very recognizable side effects. Learn to identify these key warning signs and what you can do to tackle workplace stress.
- Frequent Headaches
Who doesn’t get a headache now and then at work? Of course, we all do. And a headache once in a while is nothing to be concerned about. But if your employees are plowing their way through a Sam’s Club bottle of aspirin every week, they may be having more than just a tough week on the job.
- Interrupted Sleep
If you have staff who are constantly late because they keep oversleeping, they may be experiencing workplace stress. Insomnia and other forms of interrupted sleep are frequent warning signs.
- Difficulty Concentrating
If team members are always losing focus or become easily distracted during regular meetings, it’s a red flag for stress.
- Low Morale
If employees are demonstrating low morale or feelings of apathy, it’s a sign they don’t feel connected to the job they’re doing, and it’s another stress warning sign.
- Short Tempers, Irritability and a Tense Work Environment
We’ve all seen the stressed guy in a movie who snaps at the simplest infraction. But if someone you work with is getting hot under the collar for no apparent reason, it’s time to implement workplace stress management.
How to Manage Workplace Stress
Learning how to handle workplace stress will not only support mental health within your workforce, it will increase productivity and improve employee engagement.
- Get Feedback
Give employees an opportunity to provide feedback. Encouraging staff to participate in the decision-making process will help to reduce their daily stresses.
- Schedule Modification
Sometimes a little change can have a significant impact on an employee’s stress level. Consider things like a change in employee work schedule or perhaps a compressed work week. Can they work remotely and still effectively contribute to the team? Would a different start or end time ease their commute?
- Team-Building Exercises and Events
We all need to blow off steam now and then, and team-building exercises & games can do just that while boosting overall morale.
Employees suffering from workplace stress have lower engagement & are less productive. Learn how to recognize the signs and manage workplace stress.
If you’re dealing with workplace stress, Morris Bixby can help. Let their passion help you develop working relationships that thrive for your workforce, today.