Reducing Stress and Enhancing Wellness on Employees.
Workplace stress has become rampant in the world today. Several factors cause tension in the workplace and, if not addressed accordingly, can have a very negative effect on the company and also on the employees’ wellbeing. Recent studies have shown that the most causes of workplace stress are job insecurity, tight deadlines, and heavy workloads, among others. A recent New Zealand birth cohort study found that 45 percent of incident cases of depression and anxiety were attributed to job stress (Melchior et al.). Enhancing employees’ wellness is very important in ensuring work is effectively delivered.
Involve employees in decision making.
Employees always play an essential role in service delivery, and when involved in decision making, management will get to understand when a problem arises, for example, failed equipment. Enhancing excellent communication between the employee and the administration can become a big step towards reducing stress since the employees will be comfortable sharing any problem. (Leka et al. .17).Whenever employees are comfortable sharing an opinion on various issues affecting work efficiency, they will not hesitate to raise concerns whenever they are a problem. These concerns will also help the management to act accordingly and in time whenever something comes up.
Avoid external distractions.
External distractions such as uninvited visitors and unnecessary phone calls can be a cause of work stress since they take much of work time and therefore causes one to work overtime to compensate for the time lost handling distractions. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the management to reduce and, if possible, to do away with any form of entertainment. In this case, it is essential to set well-guided rules on how to avoid unnecessary interruptions during work time. For example, some companies restrict using personal mobile phones during work time, especially when employees share space with more than one person. This enhances proper concentration, and therefore an employee hits the target on time and without pressure.
Appreciate employees
Every employee will be delighted to know that their handwork is appreciated, and this will increase productivity. It is always very encouraging to receive a congratulation note whenever one hits the target on time and expertly. Whenever employees get a small token or maybe a gift card on their desk, they feel appreciated and encouraged. This can reduce the work burden and give one morale to work without undermining themselves.
Encourage healthy exercises
Sitting on one position on your desk can cause underlying health complications and as well cause depression, which affects work effectiveness—introducing and encouraging employees to take breaks during work time and also use that time to refresh by walking. Exercises will help employees keep fit as well as improve mental health. According to a recent ADDA online poll, 14 percent of people make use of regular exercise to cope with stress.
Offer job descriptions
As a manager, you should always clarify your expectations of an employee to avoid workplace conflicts. It would be best if you also avoided unrealistic deadlines that will give pressure on your employees. Whenever an employee is accordingly, and expectations put straight from the word go, they will work flexibly without fear of not attaining the employer’s target. Research has shown that when employees work with a job description, they tend to deliver more effectively than those without an explanation. According to research done by Accountemps staffing service, employees cited unrealistic manager expectations as a top stressor, along with heavy workloads and looming deadlines.
Create team-building activities
Employee to employee relationship is essential for job effectiveness. Whenever the relationship between the employees themselves is improved, they are chances workplace stress will be reduced since the employees will always work as a team and therefore mitigate conflicts in the workplace. Creating social activities such as hikes, retreats, and a team-building vacation will allow everyone to interact freely without boundaries and away from work. In most cases, team building activities help employees who may be having stress from other sources, for example, from home or family because here they have ample time to even share with colleagues on the challenges they are facing or going through.
Improve the working environment
Conducive, good, clean, and enough working space are essential in ensuring the employees are comfortable when executing their duties. Investigators have demonstrated that the perceived quality of the physical environment affects job perceptions, attitudes, and job satisfaction (Sundstrom et al.); (Zalesny, Farace, &Hawkins). It should be the duty of the management always to refurbish the working area and still to ensure all machines are in good condition. Renovating will give the employees confidence when working and will reduce the fear of not meeting the set targets on time due to failed gadgets.