Reducing Stress in the Workplace During Demanding & Uncertain Times

There are many sources of work-related stress even in the best of times. When the tension is at its highest, it is important for workers to be able to deal with the pressure. Long-term stress is common – the APA’s 2019 Stress In America report has even cited that work is reported as a significant stressor to the US populace. Managing this stress can be important to protecting employee health. Here are several common stressors and ways to handle them:

Prioritization:
The negative effects of disorganization can cause significant amounts of stress. It can be difficult to manage the workday (and therefore the level of stress) when the employee has no idea what they are supposed to be doing. Making sure to prioritize time can help to make sure the most important work is completed – sticking to a set schedule can help to mitigate that. De-cluttering a workspace can allow for greater efficiency, and less frustration.

Perfection – or Close to:
If an employee is a perfectionist, it may help them to internalize that they may not be able to do everything perfectly. Beating themselves up for little things, or things that are out of their control, may be more detrimental than beneficial. Learning to do their best and learning from their mistakes can result in less stress.

From Plugged-In to Disconnected:
Being able to truly disconnect from work can also be an important way to reduce stress. When an employee is always connected to work, whether physically or digitally, it can be an unchecked source of anxiety. Setting clear boundaries about when an employee should be working versus when they should not be can help them to better enjoy their off time. This can be particularly important with remote workers.

Remembering Why You’re Here:
When stress gets to be too much, it can be important for employees to have healthy responses. Exercise and physical activity can be a beneficial way to blow off steam. Making more time for personal hobbies and relationships with others (without the anxiety of being connected to work) can be recharging, and ready employees to come back refreshed.

When dealing with an exceedingly stressful time, reducing stress in the workplace can be important to maintain employee performance and company culture. Employees that are enabled in stress-reducing strategies can be more productive, and better engaged workers.