24 Ways Employers Can Manage Stress at Work

Stress At Work

It’s a well-known fact that stress at work can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. It doesn’t matter whether you manage the office, answer the phone, or manage inventory – if you’re not in a healthy state of mind, your productivity suffers and your results suffer with it. In this blog post, we will discuss 24 ways employers can manage stress at work to promote healthier employees and better business outcomes!

How To Manage Stress At Work

There can be several reasons causing stress and tension in your workplace:

Poor Leadership

Under this comes a lot more points that needs attention. Here are they:

Lack of Understanding About Structure And Roles 

This causes a lot of frustration if you do not know who to report to and what they will expect from you. The condition sometimes becomes so worse that it may cause someone to quit the job.

Employers should prepare a good leadership structure and clearly communicate roles as well as expectations from employees. This is one of the ways employers can manage stress at work for their team members.

Create and follow a clear leadership structure so that everyone understands who is responsible for what. This will increase work efficiency and contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere.

Lack of Job Feedback From Leadership

Employees need to know how they are doing so that they can manage their stress levels. If there is no clear communication on the work progress, employees will feel stressed and frustrated because of a lack of job feedback from leadership.

Leadership should keep track of employee’s performance in terms of time management, productivity, meeting deadlines etc.  They should provide regular feedback to team members.

Employers can manage stress at work by providing clear job expectations for employees and following up on their progress so that they know if they are doing well or need help to overcome challenges.

Keep track of your unit’s performance through metrics, audits, internal surveys, etc. Communicate any issues with each member directly so that they can manage their stress.

Employees’ Need To Understand Company Vision

Employees need to understand what the company vision is and how it impacts their jobs. If employees are unclear about the impact, they will feel frustrated because of a lack of job clarity.

Leadership should clearly communicate the purpose behind every task assigned to employees. They should explain why certain tasks are required for them to complete in order to help their team manage stress.

Employers manage stress at work by making it clear to employees how their tasks contribute to the company vision and what results they are expected to achieve through them.

Employees’ Need To Understand Their Contribution 

Employees need to understand how their job roles contribute to the company’s success. This will help them manage stress at work because they know what is expected of them and they can manage their time effectively. 

Leadership should regularly conduct meetings with employees so that everyone understands what results are required through each role in order for the organization to be successful.

The lack of clarity from leadership is one of the most common causes of a stressful work environment. Employees need to know clearly what roles they play in order for them to manage stress effectively.

Employees’ Need To Understand Their Job Responsibilities  

Employers manage stress at work by clearly communicating responsibilities to employees. Employees should know exactly what their job entails along with the deadlines for each task in order to manage stress more effectively. 

Leadership should make sure that they are providing clear expectations of every employee’s role and then follow up on progress regularly so that team members can manage their stress.

Managing stress at work is directly related to the clarity of expectations from leadership. Employees will manage their stress more effectively if they know exactly what they are supposed to do, by when, and how it contributes to the company’s success.

Employers should ensure that team members understand not only what results are expected but also why these tasks need to be done and how they contribute to the company’s success in order for employees to manage their stress more effectively.

Unhealthy Workloads & Work Shifts 

The extent to which jobs require unpleasant physical and emotional work conditions, such as high demands.

Employees will be worn down and exhausted if they labor for too long. Everyone requires time away from work to relax, refuel, and attend to other responsibilities. A work-life balance promotes physical and emotional well-being while also increasing productivity. It also aids employees with stress management.

Work shifts should be no more than 10 hours, and employees should have enough time to recover before their next duty. This will boost employee morale and productivity while also lowering the danger of workplace injuries.

Breaks During Day To Manage Stress At Work

Breaks allow the body to relax and recharge, while also allowing employees to manage their stress levels.  Taking regular breaks is an effective way to manage stress levels, and allows employees the time they need to manage their emotions.

Employers should offer employees 15-minute breaks in between work shifts that last longer than four hours. Breaks taken during a shift should be limited to ten minutes or less because any more can disrupt workflow and decrease productivity. Employers should not interfere with employees’ breaks or make them feel guilty about taking a break when they need it.

Employees will be more productive if their stress levels are managed effectively and efficiently. Breaks help in workplace stress management  and ensure that the work environment is conducive to learning and productivity for everyone involved. 

Challenging Assignments But Not Overwhelming

Employees are more likely to manage their stress levels when they are given challenging, yet attainable work. Employees who feel that they are being challenged at work but not overwhelmed will be motivated and engaged in their jobs instead of anxious or stressed out. When employees receive assignments that match their abilities, it boosts morale while also increasing productivity for the company.

Employees should receive work that is appropriate to their skill sets, and they need to be able to learn on the job comfortably while maintaining quality performance levels.

Workplace Stress Caused By Lack of Work Flexibility

Rotation In Shifts And Tasks 

High-stress activities are an inescapable aspect of the job at times. Employees might become exhausted if they are forced to perform these activities without rest or variety. Working on high-stress activities for long periods of time will negatively affect their productivity and health.

Employees who engage in high-stress tasks should be given regular breaks. Assign them activities that vary in difficulty so that they may control their burden by rotating jobs. Encourage job sharing when people work in groups so that no one individual has a consistently large workload.

Convenient Change In Work Hours  

People need to manage various aspects of their life outside work, such as family and personal responsibilities. These commitments may interfere with the hours they are expected to be at work on certain days or times.

Employees should not feel like they have no option but to miss out on important events because it is inconvenient for them to change their schedule around. Employers should create a flexible work schedule that will accommodate employees’ needs.

Employees’ Need of Say In Assigned Tasks 

Employees should have a voice in the way they manage their work as long as it does not interfere with other employees’ rights. Even if an employee is assigned specific tasks, he or she should still be able to provide input on how those tasks can be done more effectively and efficiently. 

Employees should feel that their opinions and ideas are valued by the company. Open communication between employees and employers is integral to a healthy work environment, which can reduce stress levels for everyone involved

Workplace Stress Caused by Lack of Resources

Resources And Supplies Needed To Perform Tasks

Job stress is defined as “dangerous physical and emotional responses that arise when the job requirements do not meet the worker’s talents, resources, or demands.” Employees who are asked to do jobs without the resources and supplies they require will feel helpless and anxious.

Make sure the job you’re assigning can be completed with the resources you have on hand. Provide a means for employees to convey their requirements effectively, and then provide them with the resources they require.

Employees’ Need of Training To Do Jobs Well

The discrepancy between a person’s skills and the needs of the work they are required to perform is one type of job stress. Training and knowledge may often help to relieve stress. A well-trained and educated person will have the confidence and capacity to execute their work successfully while also managing their stress.

Employees should get training and ongoing education. Although the majority of businesses require new recruits to be taught, many do not provide ongoing training.

Involve more experienced staff in training. This will boost employee morale and assist in the transfer of institutional knowledge from older to younger employees.

You can also allow employees to circulate across the company’s many departments for cross-training, provide access to external education at universities or training centers, or even support distant learning through online programs.

Completion of training should be acknowledged and rewarded whenever feasible. Remember to evaluate training programs on a regular basis by soliciting feedback and recommendations from individuals who have been trained.

Communication With Managers And Co-workers

Employees will experience less stress if they are able to interact with their coworkers. Knowing that an employee’s channels of contact with their management are open is extremely beneficial. People often don’t even require their condition to be improved; all they require is someone to listen to them and offer positive support to keep them going.  Fifteen minutes of chatting to a sympathetic coworker can undo days of tension and anxiety.

Follow These Steps: Hold frequent meetings with workers to address issues, workloads, complaints, and necessary modifications. Give them space to communicate. Make yourself accessible for one-on-one consultations and pay attention when individuals need to speak with you.

Employees should be able to express their issues and communicate with one another in small groups. Many people have similar worries, and effective solutions can be devised.

Staff retreats and team-building exercises may help coworkers form bonds and learn to rely on one another for assistance. Workplace support is an essential line of defense against employee stress.

Workplace Stress Caused by Lack of Social Support

Employees will experience less stress if they have the support of their co-workers and managers. People need to know that somebody is looking out for them, even when things go wrong. Acknowledge an employee’s accomplishments in front of others as a way of showing your appreciation for all he or she does at work: employees should also appreciate one another.

Gather everyone together on a regular basis, either for casual chats or formal events like office parties and company functions. Make sure employees know that they are all part of the same team working towards shared goals.

Create opportunities for different departments to come together in informal ways outside work hours (volunteer activities, sports teams). This will help employees bond and develop a better understanding of other departments.

Let others know when they do well by congratulating them in front of their peers or co-workers via an email or written note, as it will help boost morale at work.

Availability of Supervisors To Help And Advice When Needed

Employees will experience less stress if they have a good understanding of what is expected from them. This can be achieved by holding regular meetings with employees to manage their workload and provide the necessary support for fulfilling job expectations.

Supervisors should also lookout for new workers so that they feel welcomed upon arrival on site, encouraged along through any initial stages of anxiety or shyness, and helped in understanding any procedures that might not be clear at first.

Supervisors should also provide workers with the necessary training to complete their jobs effectively without causing undue stress. Employees may feel more confident when they are aware of what is expected from them – this will help manage expectations appropriately while eliminating ambiguity about responsibilities.

Spirit of Cooperation And Respect At Work

Employees will experience less stress if the working environment is respectful and focused on cooperation. People should feel comfortable speaking up about any concerns, issues, or problems that arise at work without fear of retribution or negative consequences.

Creating a positive atmosphere can help manage employee stress levels in many ways. For example, people are more likely to remain enthusiastic when they are content with their working conditions.

Employees should feel encouraged to work together in order to help one another manage any stress that arises from the job, rather than feeling isolated and alone when problems arise. One of the best ways to manage stress is by tackling it head-on through teamwork – not only will this encourage a more positive atmosphere but also minimizing the chances of any major issues occurring in the future.

Availability of Programs or Tools To Help Employees Manage Stress  

Employees will experience less stress if they are aware of all the resources that can help manage their stress levels. This may include taking time off when necessary to relax and recuperate, talking through problems with colleagues or managers at work, attending support groups for employees dealing with similar issues – in short: any actions that might relieve employee’s distress.

This will also help manage employee expectations around what is deemed acceptable or unacceptable behavior at work, as well as minimizing future stress by preventing any major issues from arising. 

Workplace Stress Caused by Lack of Growth Opportunities

Employees need realistic opportunities to grow, advance, and be promoted: Employees require chances for advancement and development. Employee morale and performance may suffer if they are unaware of these opportunities.

Do This: When staff does well, recognize and reward them appropriately. Employees will see that their efforts are recognized when there is a well-organized system for recognition and promotion. They will rise to the occasion if possibilities for growth are provided.

Employees’ Wants And Needs of Job Security

Staff members are increasingly concerned about their job security. Layoffs, downsizing, and budget cuts are becoming more prevalent. Stress is the outcome of this uncertainty.

Do This: Provide chances for your staff to enhance their abilities in order to boost their worth to the company. But, whatever you do, keep in touch with your workers. Inform them of any changes that may be occurring. Even if you don’t have all the answers, be honest and transparent with them and do your best to work with them.

Lack of Good Policies and Environments to Manage Stress

Adequate Notice of Policies Or Procedures

Change may be difficult, especially when it comes to working. However, due to the nature of the job, change is unavoidable. Employees who are informed of policy or procedure changes early on find the transition to be much simpler and less stressful.

Follow These Steps: Speak with your coworkers. Let them know what’s going on, and keep them up to date on future plans as soon as possible. Discussing adjustments with them may provide you with useful feedback that will help you identify the most effective solutions.

Pleasant And Safe Working Environment

Employees frequently lack control over their work environment. Hazards, annoyances, and distractions may be unpleasant, especially if the employee has no control over them.

Chemical agents such as poisons, physical agents such as heat, radiation, and cold, poor air quality, inadequate illumination, and other safety concerns are examples of such stressors. Employees may also be subjected to monotonous work, uncomfortable work postures, particularly those induced by computers, and heavy lifting.

Regardless of personal preferences, certain working situations are stressful for nearly everyone and should be addressed. A harsh and uninviting workplace can have a negative impact on employee productivity and mental health.

Follow These Steps: Consult employees on their working conditions. Allow children to express their worries or complaints about potentially dangerous or annoying elements. Make the necessary adjustments or offer ways for them to work around the problems.

Treat their issues with respect and consideration, and do everything you can to make them feel at ease in their workplace.

You could wish to allocate the responsibility of making the workplace safe, comfortable, and ergonomically correct to a specific person or group of employees. They have the ability to gather complaints and provide answers to legitimate issues.

Sufficient Physical Space To Jobs

Employees who work in a pleasant environment feel more in control of their circumstances, which reduces job-related stress. It’s critical that they have adequate room to finish their projects quickly, especially when they’re under a lot of pressure.

Make it feasible for each employee to have their own workspace that is enough for them to do their tasks. Allow them to personalize the environment so that they feel at ease.

Quiet Environment

Noise is a factor in the workplace that causes frustration and stress, particularly for employees who work quietly or need to concentrate.

You could wish to create an environment with minimal noise and distractions so that your employees can do their jobs without interference from other people.

Follow These Steps: Ensure all locations where staff regularly meet are equipped with individual meeting rooms. This will allow employees to meet and discuss matters privately.

If possible, manage the noise level in your business space by choosing a space that is naturally quiet. This may be more expensive than renting office space with poor acoustics, but it will reduce employee stress and improve concentration levels over time. You could also install sound insulation or provide some form of noise cancellation.

A Word From Mantra Care

It can be hard to manage stress at work. Finding that balance between pushing yourself and taking time for self-care is a struggle. But it’s important to try your best. If you are struggling with managing stress on the job, check out this list of 24 ways employers can reduce their own stress levels while working in an office environment. You may find some tips here that will help you get through your day more easily! How have these techniques helped make stressful days less so?

Do you want to keep your employees happy, healthy, and productive? Join our employee assistance program and get a healthier workplace.