We have all had those times at work where the pressure rises to such a level that we want to shout: “Time out!” The uncertain climate of the last year has magnified the stress many of us feel at work. Between workplace reductions and wage freezes, employees are doing more with less. Responsibility is growing at the same rate as feelings of fear and uncertainty. This combination makes workplace stress and anxiety inevitable. Conflicting demands between work and home only adds to this stress. While some employees may see hope on the horizon, others are still feeling the pinch and wondering how to cope.
Aside from the direct physical and emotional consequences of stress on employees, employers also suffer when employees feel strained and anxious. Workplace stress costs employers billions of dollars each year due to lower productivity, absenteeism, turnover, workers’ compensation, medical insurance, etc. Now, more than ever, it is vital for employees and employers to wrangle in workplace stress; and it is a shared responsibility.
Employees, first and foremost, must take responsibility for their physical and emotional well-being. You know yourself best. Take calculated steps toward improving your well-being. Identify your stressors and the habits and attitudes that amplify this stress. When change is implemented in the workplace, for example, do you immediately see the negative in the change and find yourself resisting? Once you have identified your own reactions and attitudes that create additional stress, make a concerted effort to avoid them. Finally, workplace stress can be eased when employees and managers have open lines of communication. Do your part to hone your communication skills with managers and co-workers.
Employees look to their managers to give them guidance and direction, particularly in uncertain times. Managers should make it a top priority to communicate and manage expectations with employees. Employees feel less stressed when they know what is expected of them and feel that there is an open door to communicate with their managers. Having a monthly one-on-one meeting with each employee is a way to ensure the lines of communication are open on a regular basis. Change in the workplace has also become a norm in the last year. Managers play a vital role in managing change and can usher in success by communicating with and supporting employees through these transitions. Remember to verbalize the “why” and the “how.” Why is this change important, and how will we work through this change together?
Finally, workplace stress can be reduced by finding a balance between work and life. Employees can utilize their breaks and paid time off to focus on life outside of work. Use this time to re-energize and re-focus on what is most important. Managers can support a balanced life by offering employees flexibility in their work weeks, telecommuting opportunities, and encouraging them to use their paid time off, when appropriate. Workplace stress is manageable, but takes an equal commitment from employees and management. With a team approach, unhealthy workplace stress doesn’t stand a chance!
