Strategies to Optimize Stress Management at Work

In a constantly changing world of work, stress management has become a major issue.

Competition, contingencies, new developments, staff turnover, downtime, new circumstances, and technological advances are all contributing factors to increased stress levels and can cause you to lose control. Yet there are proven strategies out there for managing work-related stress, whether these are for you as an individual or are aimed at offsetting productivity losses that can result from a workforce afflicted by high stress levels. Let's explore some of these now.

The main reasons for talking about stress at work

Nowadays, things change at an alarming pace and there are multiple sources of stress for both company directors and their staff.

According to a study sponsored by Statistics Canada, "What's stressing the stressed? Main sources of stress among workers", 62% of workers cite work as their main source of stress. More than a quarter of workers report being highly stressed.

Scientific studies have proven that stress causes the following adverse effects on health, among others:

• Heart problems
• Lack of sleep
• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Drug or alcohol abuse

The list is long, and these adverse health effects have a significant impact on both your business activities and your employees' performance.

Furthermore, high levels of stress in everyday life coupled with a lack of support from colleagues are linked to depression in male and female workers.

Promote workplace wellbeing

An increasing number of companies are now choosing to offer activities and tools to help their employees better manage stress, which can in turn improve their health and their productivity. This has a positive impact on their general wellbeing at work and both their loyalty and sense of belonging to their employer as a result. Taking a preventive approach can go a long way toward minimizing work stoppages, sick days, professional burnout, and stress-related resignations, as well as avoiding having team dynamics constantly disrupted and changed.

There are many options out there. Some of those are:

• Yoga, tai chi, or meditation classes in the office
• Membership to a gym or fitness center
• Games room or relaxation room
• Communal activities sponsored by the company
• Electronic platform dedicated to work happiness

It is equally important to give staff members the time they need and empower them to join in with these beneficial activities.

Strategies to counter work-related stress

Below we explore some of the main strategies for minimizing the physical and mental strain associated with stress overload.

Act like a leader

You can't control others. All you can do is inspire them. Obviously, first you have to be in control of yourself. As a leader, it falls to you to set a good example by adopting healthy stress management habits in your own life. By doing so, you are giving your employees permission to emulate you and take care of themselves, while also demonstrating that you are genuinely committed to promoting everyone's wellbeing. In this way, you are increasing the chances that your staff members will be inspired to follow suit, because even if you offer them a range of options, there is no guarantee that your employees will take advantage of them.

Offer flexible hours and adopt remote working

In a survey conducted by Angus Reid, the majority of employees said that the recent shift to remote working has had a positive influence on their work-life balance, as well as their general wellbeing.

Flexibility is also an important defining factor in employees’ wellbeing. In fact, 77% of Canadian workers confirm that flexibility in their working hours and workplace has an impact on their decision of whether or not to stay in a job.

A study conducted by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) shows that remote working is set to play a key role in employment. Indeed, 54% of employees say that the ability to work remotely will be a determining factor when applying to or accepting a new job, while 27% of employers of small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) say that remote working gives them access to a bigger talent pool.

Encourage active breaks

Scheduling active breaks throughout the day relaxes muscles that have become tense after long hours of inactivity and also gives the brain a rest. The idea is to move your body and breathe as a way of reducing stress. Consider the following suggestions:

• Take a stroll outside during your lunch break
• Stretch for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day
• Practice controlled breathing exercises
• Play a game or dance for a few minutes to let off steam
• Do a short guided meditation exercise

Promote healthy lifestyle habits

Healthy eating and quality sleep go a long way toward staying in good shape. General ill health often goes hand in hand with stress or poor stress management. A healthy body is essential for a healthy mind. We know that the majority of North Americans don't keep themselves sufficiently hydrated. Make sure you get into the habit of drinking water at intervals throughout the day.

Here are a few ways to support these healthy routines in the office:

• Install filtered water dispensers in the busiest spots
• Remove vending machines with junk food
• Take a fresh look at the meals on offer in the canteen, replacing these with more nutritional options

Sleep is usually the first thing that we neglect when we're stressed. Inadequate and poor-quality sleep increases stress levels and leads to a vicious circle. To help your staff members overcome this, you could offer some recommendations to promote sleep, or even promote workshops on the subject.

Allocate time slots for important tasks

To be successful in a task or big project, concentration and minimal interruptions are vital. Leading by example, you could encourage your employees to schedule time slots to dedicate themselves to these tasks. Consider the following tips:

• Reduce the number and duration of meetings
• Mute notifications
• Specify times you are unavailable on a virtual calendar
• Close the door of your virtual or physical office for a set length of time

Remember, it is now well-documented that "multi-tasking" is an illusion.

Keep listening

Do you know the job satisfaction level of your employees? A growing number of companies conduct regular surveys on sources of stress for their staff members. They also monitor the state of work wellbeing and of staff engagement in order to implement concrete measures in line with results.

Your employees may need a neutral and trusted contact person with whom they can discuss their work-related issues or stress-related problems. Many workers struggle to broach these topics with their loved ones and this may cause them anxiety. As an employer concerned for the quality of life of staff members, you could think about providing a place where people can open up and vent to someone in complete confidentiality.

However, all these initiatives will only make a difference if they are taken seriously. Employees need to feel like they can express themselves openly and in an entirely safe space. If they get the sense that management doesn't genuinely want to support them, they won't place their trust in you and your measures may miss the mark.As an employer, you have an important role to play in managing your own stress and helping your staff members manage theirs. By staying attuned to their needs, you can be proactive and suggest both strategies and solutions to optimize their work wellbeing. In doing so, you are investing in the future and demonstrating both your empathy and understanding while setting an example for others. Now that’s a win-win.