7 Ways to Reduce Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is a major contributing factor to conditions like heart disease and stroke. It is as important to provide a safe environment for your team as it is to be productive. There are several causes of stress in the workplace. By implementing some simple strategies, you can make your team's job less stressful and more enjoyable.

Create a Peaceful Office Environment

Gray walls and rows of cubes are not the most inspiring office environment. When planning your office space, consider ways to make it a place that your employees will enjoy coming to every day. Creating a positive and welcoming environment can help boost morale and productivity. This could involve a change of color scheme, and adding calming elements such as artwork or comfortable furniture designs.

Encourage Regular Breaks

Burnout often starts with employees feeling that they cannot take time off. This means that employees are entitled to breaks and lunches daily, as well as vacation and personal time. Make sure your team doesn't feel like they will face punishment if they are out of the office.

Allow for Private Workspaces

The trend for open workspaces has been around for a while. The idea was to promote collaboration, but it often resulted in an uncomfortable office environment. Worst of all, it wasn't all-inclusive for workers who needed different accommodations at work. If someone requires a private workspace in order to work effectively, accommodate that need.

Pay Attention to Psychological Safety

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have come to recognize the evolving need for feelings of personal safety in the workplace. It is important to keep your employees informed about health and safety concerns and to let them know that their input is valued. 

Improve Communications

Sometimes stress is caused by uncertainty about what will happen next. You can mitigate this by being transparent with your team members. Improve communication within the organization so that employees are kept up to date with what is happening.

Provide Autonomy

Micromanagement is stressful. You hired your team for a reason, now it's time to trust that they can do their jobs. Give them autonomy and focus less on how they accomplish the work and more on the results.

Give Recognition

Be sure to always acknowledge the accomplishments of your team. Thanking people regularly can be a simple way to show your appreciation. You can also offer rewards and incentives that help them feel valued.