Stress is one of the biggest threats to our health, and one of the main sources of stress in our modern lives is most certainly work-related. This comes at a high cost to employees’ overall well-being, and it also affects employers who often find that retaining employees in high stress working environments is almost impossible.
When a workforce is overstressed and reaching burnout, employers end up forking out lots of money in the form of sick leave and low productivity. When occupational stress is not addressed, employees end up feeling demotivated and disengaged, falling short of their full potential.
Different ways of decreasing stress at work
As time goes by employers are becoming more and more aware of the importance of addressing the issue of occupational stress, and thankfully there are lots of ways with which anxiety and tension in the workplace can be mitigated. From making sure that employees get enough rest, to providing them with ways to calm their minds, from getting their bodies moving, to showing them appreciation, and promoting mental wellbeing.
Here are a few ways to help reduce stress at the workplace
Push for more connections
Research shows that people who are the happiest at work have strong relationships with their colleagues. Encourage workplace conversations and set the scene to encourage connections because when employees connect and become friends, they help reduce each other’s stress just by being there for each other.
Be prepared to fail
Though positive thinking is key to our well-being, we will all fail and make mistakes now and then. Being prepared and being aware that this will happen, makes it easier for us to accept it when it does. When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol which wreaks havoc on our bodies and our thought process becomes clouded. Visualising feeling this way, helps us prepare for it, and when it does happen, we can process it better and quicker.
Rest is your friend
It is no secret that many people find it very difficult to switch off. But switching off is essential for our health and for us to be able to perform at our best. Practising meditation and mindfulness can help in reaching the right mind space to achieve a state of mental rest.
Our body matters
Stress is not only experienced by the mind but also by our bodies, and when we de-stress our bodies through exercise, it automatically helps to de-stress our minds. Any type of physical activity can have this de-stressing effect, and joining up with a colleague for a walk, a run or perhaps a game of squash increases a workplace’s potential to succeed.
Call in the four-legged
Research has shown that simply looking at a dog, or one stroke of a cat’s head immediately reduces our stress levels and calms us down. Companies all over the world are taking advantage of this by making their workspaces pet friendly. This reduces collective stress and helps employee productivity. Another option is to allow employees to go check on their pets at home. Not only does this put their minds at rest which obviously reduces stress but also delivers them with that fix of endorphins that only pets can provide.
Whether you’re an employee or an employer, finding ways to reduce occupational stress is a must. A better company culture always results in happier employees, which in turn results in better productivity. In the long term, this reduces company costs and produces more profits. Most importantly, reducing overall stress improves employee retention and their well-being.
Stress plays a huge part in your quality of life and overall health. Regular medical and blood screening is key to ensure your overall health; we recommend annual screening tests for effective diagnosis to ensure that you can maintain your quality of life.
If you would like information contact us today on +356 21221355, 9985 2404 or send an email on info@clinipath.com.mt for more information.
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