Stress is a common occurrence in the workplace and, as an employer, it is your responsibility to create a culture that promotes mental and physical wellbeing to prevent and manage stress at work ...
You may not go as far as offering yoga classes before work, but managing stress in the workplace needs to be taken seriously!
It is important to recognise the impact of stress on your employees' mental health and overall wellbeing. According to research, 9 in 10 adults have experienced high or extreme pressure or stress in the last year.
While some stress can be a motivator, prolonged and excessive stress can have serious consequences such as anxiety, depression, and poor performance. It can also lead to physical symptoms like heart disease and absences from work.
"To combat stress in the workplace, it is crucial to create an employee mental health plan!"
This plan should include measures to prevent and treat stress, such as educating employees on how to recognise stress and providing access to support and resources. However, having a plan in place is not enough. It is essential to approach stress management proactively and regularly review and adjust the plan to meet the changing needs of your employees.
One way to prevent stress at work is by creating a culture that promotes mental and physical wellbeing. This can include encouraging employees to take their lunch breaks and maintain a healthy work-life balance. As an employer, you can lead by example by prioritising your own wellbeing and setting a positive tone for your employees.
"Another effective way to manage stress is by monitoring workload!"
It is essential to ensure that employees' workload is reasonable and achievable. If an employee is struggling with their workload, it is important to take action by helping them re-prioritise their tasks and extending deadlines. This not only helps to reduce stress, but also shows your employees that their wellbeing is a priority.
Additionally, discouraging excessive overtime and reminding employees to take their annual leave can also help manage stress. Many employees feel pressure to work long hours and sacrifice their vacation time, which can lead to burnout and increased stress levels. Encouraging employees to take breaks and disconnect from work can improve their overall mental health and productivity.
"Providing mental health training for employees can also be beneficial!"
This type of training can help employees recognise their own stress triggers and develop coping mechanisms. It can also educate them on the importance of self-care and stress management techniques. By investing in your employees' mental health, you are not only supporting their wellbeing, but also creating a more productive and resilient workforce.
Another way to support employees' mental health is by providing access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). EAPs offer confidential support and resources for employees dealing with personal life stressors.
This can include counselling services, financial and legal advice, and information on non-work-related matters that can cause stress. EAPs can be a valuable resource for employees who may not feel comfortable discussing personal issues with their manager or colleagues!
As an employer, it is your responsibility to create a work environment that promotes mental and physical wellbeing. By implementing these tips and strategies, you can help prevent and manage stress in the workplace and improve your employees' overall mental health and productivity.
Remember, managing stress is an ongoing process, and it is essential to regularly review and adjust your approach to ensure it continues to meet the needs of your employees.
Work with them to create a culture of wellbeing in the workplace.
Until next time ...
ROGER EDDOWES Business Godparent
Would you like to know more?
If anything I've written in this blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more about managing stress in the workplace, it may be a great idea to call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.
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Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.
Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.
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