April is National Stress Awareness Month . According to the Amercican Institute of Stress , 85% of American workers experience work related stress, with 25% saying work is the number one stressor in their lives. Chronic stress not only has serious health consequences for your employees including depression, anxiety, heart problems and pain, but it also affects performance in the workplace as well. An employee under long term stress may display a decrease in creativity, motivation, and an increase in sick days.
Employers play a crucial role in mitigating stress for their employees. Here are some tips for employers to create a supportive work environment:
- Open Communication: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns and stressors. Encourage regular check-ins between managers and team members to address any issues and provide support.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. Providing flexibility allows employees to better manage their work-life balance, reducing stress related to commuting, childcare, or other personal commitments.
- Clear Expectations and Resources: Clearly communicate job expectations, responsibilities, and goals to employees. Ensure that employees have the necessary resources, tools, and training to perform their jobs effectively. Unclear expectations and insufficient resources can lead to increased stress and job dissatisfaction.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate employees’ hard work and contributions regularly. Celebrate achievements, milestones, and successes publicly to boost morale and motivation. Feeling valued and appreciated can reduce stress and improve employee engagement.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to prioritize their well-being by promoting work-life balance. Discourage overworking and encourage employees to take regular breaks, vacations, and time off to recharge. Implement policies that support boundaries between work and personal life.
- Wellness Programs: Offer wellness programs and initiatives to support employees’ physical and mental health. Provide access to resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health resources, fitness classes, and stress management workshops. Encourage participation in these programs to promote overall well-being.
- Conflict Resolution Procedures: Establish fair and effective conflict resolution procedures to address workplace conflicts and issues promptly. Train managers and employees on conflict resolution techniques and encourage open dialogue to resolve conflicts constructively. Addressing conflicts early can prevent them from escalating and causing stress for employees.
- Promote a Positive Work Environment: Foster a positive work environment characterized by mutual respect, collaboration, and support. Encourage teamwork, camaraderie, and social connections among employees. Implement initiatives such as team-building activities, mentorship programs, and social events to strengthen relationships and morale.
- Training and Development Opportunities: Invest in employees’ professional development by offering training and development opportunities. Provide opportunities for skill-building, career advancement, and growth within the organization. Empowering employees to develop their skills and advance in their careers can increase job satisfaction and reduce stress.
- Lead by Example: Leadership sets the tone for the workplace culture. Lead by example by demonstrating healthy work habits, managing stress effectively, and prioritizing well-being. Show empathy, understanding, and support for employees’ needs and concerns.
It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience, and know where to go for help. The Mental Health American (MHA) provides some tips on how to reduce your stress by utilizing a Stress Screener. Also, take some time to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and familiarize yourself with strategies for stress management.
Providing employees with a group health insurance plan is one way to help create a supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being. Contact the team at EPB&B and we will help find the right group health plan to fit the needs of your business.
The team at EPB&B works hard everyday to provide an exceptional experience to our customers. We work hard so we make an effort to find time to play too. From in office chair massages, to volunteering together in the community and participating on fun and creative group outings, the team at EPB&B makes health and wellness a priority.