Stress in the workplace can have a detrimental effect on employees’ mental and physical health, and their job satisfaction and productivity. Employers can be proactive in implementing strategies to reduce stress in the workplace, especially in the current climate of hybrid working.

Here are five key strategies that workplaces can implement to help reduce stress in the workplace:

1. Encourage open communication and support

Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable communicating openly about their feelings and experiences is crucial to reducing workplace stress. Employers can promote a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns, providing feedback, and seeking support. This can be achieved by

holding regular team meetings, providing opportunities for one-on-one discussions with managers or supervisors, and promoting an open-door policy.

It can be useful to encourage the use of employee resource groups (ERGs), which can provide a safe space for employees to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and provide mutual support. In addition, employers can provide training to managers and supervisors on how to effectively communicate with their teams, how to recognise signs of stress, and how to provide support to employees who may be struggling.

2. Provide stress management and resilience training

Workplaces can provide training programs on stress management and resilience to help employees cope with work-related stress. These programs can teach employees effective coping strategies such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and time management.

Resources can be provided such as self-help books or online resources on stress management and mental health. In addition, employers can work with mental health professionals to provide workshops or training sessions on topics such as mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy, and stress reduction techniques.

3. Offer flexible working arrangements:

Heavy workloads, long hours, and tight deadlines are common stressors in the workplace. Offering flexible working arrangements such as part-time work, job sharing, or remote work can help employees achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Employers can also provide employees with the tools and technology they need to work remotely, such as laptops, secure internet connections, and access to online collaboration tools. In addition, employers can provide guidelines for working from home, including setting boundaries between work and personal time, taking regular breaks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

4. Provide access to mental health resources and support services:

Employee assistance programs (EAPs), counselling services, support groups, and crisis hotlines to provide employees with access to mental health resources and support services can be offered. EAPs provide confidential counselling and support services to employees and their families. These programs can help employees address a range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Employers can also provide information about local mental health resources, such as counselling services, support groups, and crisis hotlines. This information can be shared through company newsletters, email updates, or on the company’s intranet.

5. Promote a healthy work environment:

Creating a healthy work environment can have a positive impact on employees’ mental and physical health. Employers can promote healthy habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. They can also provide wellness programs such as yoga classes or meditation sessions.

Taking steps to improve the physical work environment, such as providing ergonomic workstations, natural lighting, and indoor plants. In addition, employers can encourage employees to take regular breaks and provide opportunities for social interaction, such as team-building activities or social events.

Reducing stress in the workplace requires a multi-faceted approach. Employers need to create a supportive work environment, offer training programs on stress management and resilience, provide access to mental health resources and support services, offer flexible working arrangements, and promote a healthy work environment. By implementing these strategies, workplaces can help to reduce workplace stress, and improve employees’ mental and physical health.

For further information about how to help with stress, take a look at our Stress Buster webinar. This interactive session looks at how to minimise the impact of stress and how stress affects our physiology, body systems and mood – both in the moment and over the long haul.