How to Relieve Stress in the Workplace

Is stress in your workplace a problem? Even if you don't think you and your workers are under an intense level of pressure, it's worth remembering that people will often try to keep such problems hidden. Doing so, however, can create greater difficulties further down the line - both for themselves and your business - so it's important to do everything possible to alleviate stress levels in the workplace.

With research by the NHS showing 400,000 Britons claimed work-related stress was making them ill in 2010-11, this is definitely something you need to try and tackle. Of course, having a certain level of pressure at work can help to motivate employees to do their best work, but when things become excessive it can manifest into a range of psychological and physical problems.

Among the common symptoms of stress (and things you should be looking out for) are:
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Aches and pains
• Low energy levels and lack of enthusiasm
If left to try and cope with stress on their own, workers may indulge in unhealthy behaviours such as smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, things that may have negative implications for both their personal well being and your business. So, what can be done to tackle stress in a productive manner? Here's a look at some of the things you should be doing.

  • Give workers a chance to talk: Perhaps one of the biggest causes of workplace stress for employees is feeling that there is nobody they can talk to if they have a problem (either work-related or personal) that they think is effecting the job they do. Holding regular meetings - both group sessions and one-on-one discussions - can go some way towards eliminating this. If it's the latter, you should highlight that anything they raise will be kept strictly confidential. Just knowing that someone is there who is willing listen to - and act on - the issues they are facing should help workers feel calmer and more relaxed.



  • Stress Shapes: Whether they are working to deadline or trying to close a sale, employees can sometimes feel under pressure to perform. Providing fun squeezable stress shapes - such as those offered by promotional product providers like 4imprint - to workers can help them to feel calm and take a momentary break from their tasks. These items offer fantastic brand interaction too. Making sure your logo is clearly visible on them will help recipients to remember that the company they work for cares about them, while it's also a good idea to print the telephone number of your HR department so people can easily get in touch with someone to discuss any problems.




  • Create a Calm Working Environment: Last, but by no means least, establishing a calm working environment will go some way towards managing stress within your company. Even if the nature of your company's work means there is a lot of noise, an office that is decorated in neutral colours and that receives lots of natural sunlight should help employees feel calm. Having plants or even a small patch of artificial grass is another fantastic way to create a more pleasant office. This will help staff to feel at one with nature as they work, while providing chairs, armrests and other items of furniture should ensure they are physically comfortable.


What are you doing to reduce stress levels in your workplace? Share your experiences by leaving a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!

Share me  Bookmark Twitter Bookmark Facebook Bookmark StumbleUpon

21 comments :

  1. I have had these symptoms for the past few months..and it's not very pleasant to carry on the daily chores either!

    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, when you are not feeling well, it really stinks to have to carry on as they say. Once a mom, always a mom.

      Delete
    2. I had some symptoms including headache. I thought I was going through menopause or something. Come to find out it was from the bright color on our walls!

      Delete
  2. I handle stress by taking a break and getting outside. Great ideas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great! Me too, but in the winter time, I am stuck, so I watch a show. What do you do in the winter?

      Delete
  3. It’s important to have stress relief options at work, especially in today’s economy and society. The workplace is faster paced and more stressful than ever. Most large organizations have mental health agency’s that employees can contact with full anonymity from any authoritative personnel for help. I also employed my own techniques: Get up and leave the immediate area. Go for a walk outside if whether and schedule permit. This will definitely relieve stress. Change the work that you are doing at the immediate moment. Stop and employ time management skills: rewrite your order of the day and find out what is most important to handle immediately.

    If the stress is because of actual interaction with other employees; be professional. Even if the other employee is not professional, you be professional. First write down any and all issues. Then develop a possible solution. When you don’t have a solution you are a part of the problem. You won’t be able to see your own part of the problem - and ownership is the biggest part of the way out of a stressful situation. Own the solution. Meet with that person one on one. If that doesn’t work, request a meeting with your immediate supervisor.

    Always be about solutions and ownership.
    Elizabeth T, Early Riser

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it is the hardest when you have to put up with someone who is disruptive even at work. But we all have to do it. It's really a shame to that sometimes, those people don't realize they are under stress.

      Delete
    2. I agree. Change what you are doing immediately and do something different. It is the same as a distraction a break from the work that is stressing you out.

      Delete
  4. When I feel like I am getting stressed, changing activities, and getting some exercise, going outdoors, or choosing a relaxing activity for a few minutes. These are great work place ideas, as it is not always possible to take a break from what you are doing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're absolutely right. It is not always possible to stop and walk. Not possible to change your environment right away, therefore the employers have to do it before hand.

      Delete
  5. When I am stressed out, I just take my camera and go outside! I find taking photos, and pulling weeds in the garden really help!

    Talking it out with a friend is a great idea! Thanks for a fantastic post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know how you can come up with more photos from your yard. It's crazy that you can though. You're very creative.

      Delete
  6. Our workplace has been remodeling and I like the changes so far. I am also hoping that they provide some stress shapes. Maybe I will suggest this to them, huh?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope the colors are pleasant? It is one of the must for me, since all we see are the walls everyday.

      Delete
  7. Great ideas for the workplace. All seems simple but not many companies even do one of them. Sad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most companies get complacent in their environment and don't want to remodel or change.

      Delete
  8. We have a very nice and calming color scheme at work. I think they have the right idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I go to work to relax sometimes. With kids at home, it's always chaotic.

      Delete
  9. Work is always stressful no matter what they do. I agree though, some stress toys are helpful at times when you want to wring that person's neck.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great tips! I definitely don't miss working outside of the home.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This article is good. The advice is not rocket science but is clear and practical. To see more info please visit essayswriters.org/buy.
    Good work!

    ReplyDelete

I love to learn about your experiences so I really appreciate the feedback.
Anonymous = Spam = Delete