Stress is a natural part of life. However, stress doesn't only affect a person's home life. Studies have shown that stress can also affect a person's work performance. Therefore, teaching your employees effective stress management techniques is essential to keep your company productive and operating efficiently.
5 Work-Friendly Stress Management Techniques to Teach Your Employees
While there are many stress management techniques, some are especially helpful for your employees to use at work. Here are five simple techniques that are practical while at work.
#1. Stretch Breaks
Sitting all day can negatively impact your mental health. Sometimes, a simple stretch break is all your brain needs to let go of negative thoughts and refocus on the tasks at hand. Whether you do a stretching routine, take a quick walk around the office, or chat with a coworker, getting up and moving every hour can improve your productivity and reduce work-related stress.
#2. Set Boundaries
Sometimes, poor boundaries between coworkers can cause significant stress for your employees. Teaching your employees to set healthy boundaries at work may help reduce stress and improve overall communication. Good boundaries include:
- Saying no to more work than they can handle
- Avoiding checking work email or phone while they're not on the clock
- Taking time off and scheduling vacation days
#3. Prioritize Tasks
Many people try to fit more in a day than they can possibly get done. When your employees feel like they have too much to do, they can become more stressed. Prioritizing tasks can reduce work stress and help them manage their time better.
The best way to teach your employees how to prioritize their jobs is to create a to-do list. Have them list all of their tasks for the day, week, and month. Once they have their list, have them rank their tasks in order of importance: What needs to be completed first? By prioritizing their tasks, your employees may feel more in control of their time.
#4. Practice Deep Breathing
Sometimes, people need deep breaths to calm their minds and refocus their thoughts. Studies indicate that "deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness." Teach your employees how they can breathe deeply without drawing attention to themselves. If they're in a meeting and are becoming stressed, they can breathe in slowly for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. This technique can help them quickly relax.
#5. Create a Positive Inner Voice
Your inner voice can affect your stress levels. Negative self-talk can increase stress, make people more susceptible to illness and cardiovascular disease, and reduce life expectancy. Conversely, helping your employees train their inner voice to be more optimistic can positively impact your stress levels. In addition, encouraging your employees and providing positive feedback can help silence their inner critics.
Benefits of Teaching Your Employees How to Manage Work Stress
Teaching your employees how to manage their stress isn't only good for them. Doing so is also a good business practice. According to an article in the Harvard Business Review, “Stress makes people nearly three times as likely to leave their jobs, temporarily impairs strategic thinking, and dulls creative abilities.” It also "costs the U.S. more than $300 billion a year in absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, and medical, legal, and insurance costs."
When your employees can manage their stress better, it positively impacts them and your business. Business benefits include:
- Less illness
- Increased job satisfaction
- Fewer injuries, resulting in lower worker's compensation costs
- Reduced sick leave, lost time, and employee turnover
- Improved work-life balance
- Increased productivity, resulting in higher profit and increased efficiency
Ways Your Company Can Create a Less Stressful Working Environment
With all the benefits of promoting stress management techniques, your company can increase the benefits by creating a less stressful working environment. Here are some simple steps you can take to create a safer, more productive work environment for your employees.
Respect Your Employees' Boundaries
Don't give your employees more work than they can realistically complete within their hours. In addition, don't assign them tasks outside their job description without asking them first. Finally, respect their time off. Don't email or call them when they are on vacation or not on the clock.
Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
It is crucial to promote a healthy work-life balance by respecting your employee's time off. Understand that they have hobbies, friends, family, and obligations outside of work. Whenever possible, create a flexible working schedule that allows your employees to prioritize work and their family obligations.
Prioritize Employee Wellness
Both the mental and physical health of your employees is essential. Not only should you encourage them to express their feelings and frustrations in healthy ways, but you should also encourage them to eat healthily and exercise regularly. Setting up an employee wellness program can help incentivize your employees to reach their wellness goals.
Contact us to Improve Your Work Environment
Everyone gets stressed once in a while. Treatment center employees are no exception. Teaching stress management techniques is beneficial for both your employees and your business because it increases productivity and efficiency. Further, this practice can save you money, especially on workers' compensation. If you want to know other ways to reduce your commercial insurance costs by lowering your risk, Leavitt Coastal Valley is here to help. We understand the treatment industry, and our team works hard to ensure your drug and alcohol treatment center is fully protected with cost-effective coverage plans. For more information on our commercial insurance offerings, including workers' compensation, wellness programs, and liability insurance, contact us today at (805) 925-8607.
