When your workers are stressed, your business suffers. Employees suffering from high levels of stress experience drops in workplace productivity, engagement, and overall well-being. Despite the negative side effects of being stressed at work, 30 percent of American workers still report experiencing workplace stress. Even more surprising is the number of senior managers that don’t recognize workplace stress as a leading factor in lower levels of productivity—15 percent.
If you haven’t already started strategizing how to help your stressed out employees, now is the time. Below are five simple ways you can help relieve some of the pressure off of your workers, reduce their stress, and boost their productivity levels.
1. Create a Flexible Workplace
Flexibility is key when it comes to helping stressed workers. One way you can create a flexible workplace is by building a work schedule that allows employees to work around their personal lives, work remotely part time, and focuses on deadlines rather than antiquated 9 to 5 schedules.
2. Encourage Employees to Take Breaks
When employees take small, frequent breaks throughout the day, they are able to take the time to recharge which can have significant effects on stress levels. Encouraging your employees to take breaks, whether it be to socialize, to walk around, or to just get their minds off of their work for a few minutes, is a great way to help them relax and feel less stressed throughout the workday.
3. Avoid Multi-tasking
Even though it may seem like multi-tasking is the best way to get the most done in the shortest period of time, it can actually have detrimental effects on employees’ stress and productivity levels. Instead of encouraging employees to multi-task on different projects, encourage them to focus on one project at a time. This way not only will their work be of better quality, but they will be less stressed out and be able to get more done.
4. Create a Productive Work Environment
Creating an environment in which employees can focus and be productive is an important way to reduce workplace stress. Consider building focus and collaboration spaces where employees can work through the different stages of a project. Productive work environments are also ones that are comfortable, incorporating ergonomic office furniture, and that are equipped with the technology needed to work efficiently.
5. Promote Employee Well Being in the Office
When you promote employee well being in the office, you’re creating an environment where employees are happy and healthy. Happy and healthy employee tend to be less stressed and have an overall more positive outlook when it comes to their jobs. An easy way to promote well being is to encourage employees to get out of their chairs, take meetings outside, or walk around during their breaks.
Not only can stress have negative effects on your employees, but it can have negative effects on your business as well. When you take the time to address the stress your employees are feeling and find solutions to help them, you can see a boost in productivity and quality of work. With these simple ways to help stressed workers, you can create a relaxed and productive office in no time.
For more ways you can help employees in the workplace, check out our latest blog post “How to Create a Social Space with Little Rock Office Furniture for Happier Employees.”