Easing the Stress Effect

Whether or not your workplace feels like a pressure cooker, you can bet that some of your employees consider it one.

Stress is a normal part of life to some degree, but when it is excessive, chronic, or both, it can wreak havoc on the sufferer’s mental and physical health and negatively affect your business.

And in an uncertain economic climate, stress levels climb relentlessly. Worry over layoffs, budget cuts, and added responsibilities as businesses strive to do more with less create a breeding ground for harmful stress in the workplace.

Stressed-out workers may experience anxiety or depression, fatigue, stomach problems, sleep disruption, and headaches, any of which may lead to apathy about their jobs and a severe drop in productivity.

Unhealthy coping mechanisms compound the damage. In order to deal with difficult days at work, some people turn to drugs or alcohol, develop unhealthy habits such as overeating, stop exercising, and spend too much time sleeping and vegging out in front of the TV.

Finding healthier ways to manage stress is essential to loosening its hold and combatting its negative effects. Remind your employees about the importance of taking care of themselves through healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a good work/life balance.

What you can do: