Workspace stress, productivity, stress management

Managing Workplace Stress for Improved Career and Company Outcomes

Written by: Fouzhan Shadidi

September 2, 2024

Time to read 4 min

Keywords: Workspace stress, productivity, stress management

Table of Content

1. Understanding Workplace Stress 2. The Importance of Managing Workplace Stress 3. Effective Stress Management Strategies 4. The Benefits of Stress Management 5. Final Thoughts

How does workspace stress impact employee productivity? What are the outliers, and what coping mechanisms and strategies are there to help employees stay happy, healthy and productive? Here’s a detailed look into the importance of stress management and how it can benefit employees and businesses.

1. Understanding Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is an all-too-common issue that can significantly impact employees and employers. It arises from various sources, such as high workloads, tight deadlines, job insecurity and conflicts with colleagues or management.

A study found that higher stress levels were linked to lower productivity scores , which suggests to employers that a system focused on employee benefits and overall workplace happiness may be necessary.

In another study , employees self-reported that their work stress was caused by improper management, unrealistic demands, lack of support, unfair treatment and more, suggesting that stress management techniques must be adopted on a company rather than a team-wide level to impact management and employees alike.

It was also found that poor mental health contributed to lower productivity (presentism and absenteeism) in employees, suggesting that there may be additional workspace triggers that could be related to not just an employee's work life but also their personal life.

This information underlines the need to observe an intervention in the overall health and mental condition of the employee both inside and outside of work in order to have a positive and lasting impact on their stress levels.

2. The Importance of Managing Workplace Stress

Managing workplace stress is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it directly impacts employees' health and well-being.

Chronic stress can cause a range of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular diseases, and a weakened immune system .

Secondly, high-stress levels can significantly reduce employee productivity. Stressed employees are more likely to make mistakes, have lower levels of creativity, and take more sick days.

According to an study by AXA , stress costs UK businesses up to 4.5 billion annually due to absenteeism, burnout, sick days, diminished productivity, and medical costs.

3. Effective Stress Management Strategies

Promoting a Healthy Work-Life Balance Encouraging employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance is essential. Employers can facilitate this by offering flexible working hours, promoting the use of vacation days and discouraging excessive overtime. People praise companies like Google and SAS for their employee-friendly policies that help reduce stress and boost job satisfaction.
Providing Access to Mental Health Resources Offering access to mental health resources, such as counselling services, mental health days, and stress management workshops, can help employees cope with stress more effectively. Johnson & Johnson , for instance, has implemented comprehensive mental health support programmes that have significantly improved employee well-being and productivity.
Creating a Supportive Work Environment A supportive work environment where employees feel valued and heard can drastically reduce stress levels. Encouraging open communication, providing regular feedback and recognising employee achievements are vital components of a supportive workplace culture. Salesforce , known for its strong emphasis on employee wellness, allows for different types of work (on-site, remote and hybrid) as part of their inclusion programme and to reduce work-related stress.
Implementing Health Optimisation Platforms Health optimisation platforms can be an effective tool in managing workplace stress. These platforms offer a range of features, including health tracking, personalised wellness plans, and integration with various health services. For example, OptimallyMe ’s Whitelabel Corporate Solution provides a comprehensive health optimisation solution that includes diagnostic testing, a personalised health dashboard, and AI-backed tools to enhance employee well-being and productivity.

4. The Benefits of Stress Management

Effectively managing workplace stress can lead to numerous benefits for both employees and employers:

Improved Health and Well-Being: Employees who manage stress effectively are physically and mentally healthier. They experience a significant reduction in health issues and better overall well-being.
Increased Productivity : Lower stress levels result in higher productivity . Employees are more focused, creative, and efficient in their work.
Enhanced Job Satisfaction: Employees who feel supported and valued are more satisfied with their jobs , which leads to higher morale and lower turnover rates.
Reduced Absenteeism: Healthier, less-stressed employees take fewer sick days, which benefits the company’s bottom line.

5. Final Thoughts

Managing workplace stress is not just about improving employee well-being; it’s also a strategic move that can lead to better career and company outcomes.

Companies can significantly reduce stress levels and enhance productivity by promoting a healthy work-life balance, providing access to mental health resources, creating a supportive work environment, and implementing health optimisation platforms.

If you want to implement a comprehensive health optimisation solution, consider OptimallyMe.

Our platform offers diagnostic testing, personalised health recommendations and AI-backed tools designed to enhance your operations and provide scientifically validated solutions. With customisable features and a white-label option, OptimallyMe can seamlessly integrate with your business and help you create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.

Invest in stress management today, and watch your company and employees thrive. Contact us today for more information on OptimallyMe and how it can benefit your business!