In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, many people feel stressed out. The responsibility of managing work, family, and social obligations can stress out even the toughest individuals. And when stress builds up over time, it can affect our mental and physical health. To protect our well-being, it’s important to find ways to manage stress. And for businesses, that means creating a workplace conducive to reducing stress and promoting productivity. Here are five ways to cut employees’ stress and boost productivity:
1. Have a Garden in the Office and Maintain It
According to a recent study by NCBI, having a garden in the office can help to cut employees’ stress and boost productivity. The study found that people who viewed a garden were less stressed than those who did not. The researchers believe that the garden helps create a sense of calm and well-being, leading to increased focus and concentration. They also suggest that the garden provides a much-needed break from the artificial environment of the office.
While the study does not specifically mention how large the garden should be or what type of plants should be included, it is clear that even a small oasis can greatly impact employees’ stress levels and productivity.
If you want a full-fledged garden in your office space so that all the employees can view it and become more productive, it is best to hire professional garden designers. The designers are experts who can help you build a beautiful garden. Regardless of the garden size or available space, they can create unique designs to soothe your employees and reduce their stress.
2. Encourage Employees to Take Breaks
Encouraging employees to take regular breaks may seem counterintuitive, but it can lead to higher productivity levels and less stress. Employees are constantly in mental and physical arousal when they work, which can lead to fatigue and burnout.
However, taking brief breaks allows the body and mind to recover from this arousal, preventing fatigue and improving focus. In addition, employees who take vacations are more likely to have positive attitudes and be less stressed than those who do not. As a result, encouraging employees to take breaks can lead to higher productivity and less stress.
3. Create a Social Committee
Any business owner or manager knows that happy, healthy employees are essential for a productive workplace. Unfortunately, modern workers are under more stress than ever before. A recent survey shows that 83% of US workers suffer work-related stress. This stress can lead to absenteeism, low morale, and reduced productivity.
One way to help employees manage their stress is to create a social committee. This committee can be responsible for organizing regular social events, such as after-work get-togethers, picnics, and holiday parties. These events allow employees to relax and connect with their co-workers, which can help reduce stress levels and boost morale.
In addition, the social committee can also organize volunteer opportunities, which can help employees feel more connected to their community and increase job satisfaction. A social committee is a simple way to cut employees’ stress and boost productivity.
4. Encourage Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
High-stress levels can affect employees’ physical and mental health, leading to absenteeism, increased health care costs, and lost productivity. While some amount of stress is inevitable in the workplace, employers can take steps to help their employees manage their stress levels. One of the most effective ways to do this is to encourage healthy eating and physical activity.
Research has shown that healthy eating can help to reduce stress levels, boost cognitive function, and improve mood. Physical activity has also been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Encouraging employees to make healthy choices in their diets and fitness routines can help them feel better physically and mentally, leading to increased productivity at work. In addition, employers who promote healthy eating and physical activity may save money on health care costs in the long run.
5. Make Sure Employees Have Access to Mental Health Resources
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stress is “the brain’s response to any demand.” When we experience demands at work that we feel we cannot control or cope with, our body’s natural reaction is to release stress hormones like cortisol. In the short term, this can help us to focus and get the job done.
However, when employees are constantly under high-stress levels, it can lead to problems like anxiety, depression, and burnout. This can, in turn, lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and a host of other issues. Employers must ensure that their employees have access to mental health resources to help them manage their stress levels and improve their well-being. Employers can take several simple steps, such as providing information about stress management techniques or offering Employee Assistance Programs.
Overall, employers need to take steps to reduce stress in the workplace. This can be done in some ways, such as offering flex time, encouraging healthy eating and physical activity, and ensuring employees have access to mental health resources. By taking these steps, employers can help to boost productivity and improve overall workplace morale.