WORKPLACE LAW -
Reducing Workplace Stress
Question:
I have noticed that many of our employees are more stressed out than ever. They are worried about job stability, benefits, the increasing cost of goods, and the upcoming holidays. Do you have any tips that I could pass on to my employees that may help to decrease their stress?
Answer:
The workplace environment traditionally results in some stress as most employees worry about their productivity, opportunities for advancement, and upcoming deadlines. However, the current economic recession is causing increased stress in some workplaces. Some employees are worried about the decreasing values of their 401(k) accounts, the increasing costs of health insurance, reductions in sick leave and vacation pay benefits, and job stability. As an employer, there are some steps you can take to decrease the stress levels of your employees, making your workplace more pleasant and productive.
Studies have shown that employee stress can result in frequent illness and absences from work, decreased productivity, increased health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance premiums, an increase in customer complaints, and higher turnover. One of the most common reasons why employees become stressed out at work is because of a lack of communication with their supervisors or managers. Employees often do not know what is expected of them, and many employers do not conduct performance evaluations. These problems are multiplied in situations where an employer has laid off employees and the remaining employees end up with an increased workload and uncertainties about job stability. If managers and supervisors take the time to explain their expectations to employees, the employees will know what is expected; and will worry less. This can be accomplished formally through written performance evaluations or informally through one-on-one meetings.
Managers and supervisors can also ease employee stress by communicating about the economic condition of the business. If employees are assured that the business is stable, and that management is committed to weathering this economic storm without layoffs or cutbacks, they will not worry so much about their future. If business cutbacks are inevitable, management may opt to have all employees bear the burden equally by reducing work hours across the board, rather than laying off employees. No matter what the economic future of your business, communicating with employees and allowing them to be part of solutions when possible will ease employee stress and boost moral.
Another way to reduce employee stress is to encourage employee vacation time. Employees may tend to accumulate vacation pay as opposed to taking vacation time. While this practice may have positive short term affects for the employer, the employer will likely suffer in the long term. For example, employees who have not taken a vacation for a while usually become more stressed and less productive. Thus, if vacations are encouraged, employees will take time off in order to relax and regroup.
Employers should also recognize and reward the hard work of their employees. This can be accomplished by giving out awards such as an employee of the month award. In addition, employers may hold year-end events or give monetary bonuses to their employees. These methods of recognition reward employees for their hard work and also serve to increase employee loyalty, morale, and happiness while decreasing employee stress. However, regardless of employer practices, situations may arise where an employee needs help to cope with workplace stress.
It is important for employers to have safeguards in place to assist employees in need of assistance. For example, an employee may be extremely stressed out because of his financial situation. The rate on his mortgage may have increased so much that he is unable to purchase the gifts that his children want for Christmas. In this type of situation, it is helpful if employers provide resources to assist employees, including referrals to counseling services for personal problems and financial problems. Some employers pay for such services, or provide health insurance to cover the cost of obtaining counseling. If the employee is aware of and able to utilize these services, his stress level is likely to decrease.
In addition, the workplace environment can substantially affect an employee’s stress level. Therefore, it is wise to consider what you can do as an employer to improve the workplace environment by addressing issues such as the office setup, the noise level, harmonious relationships, and any ergonomic issues. Although employers cannot control every factor that results in employee stress, there are some steps that employers can take to decrease employee stress.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Back to Menu- Work Place Law 2008 Articles