Stress in the workplace costs the U.S. on average, about $300 billion per year, a treacherous amount compared to other countries. The cost of stress was determined by factors such as the amount of stress related illnesses and injuries from accidents, the number of employees absences, the percentage of employee turnover, and lower productivity rates.
The good news is that simple changes in your workplace’s regular routines can curb stress that your employees face on a daily basis. Some of the common workplace stressors you should be alerted by are low salary paid employees, excessive workloads, limited growth opportunities, unchallenging work, lack of peer support, employees having no control over decisions, and unclear expectations. By avoiding these pressures faced by employees and handling them head on immediately will increase the probability of avoiding costs from stress within your company.
There are also tips on what you and your company can implement to avoid stress. Credit.com has created a guide on the cost of stress and 8 ways to reduce those pressures. Follow along below to reduce the cost of stress in your workplace.
1. Develop healthy stress responses
Help your employees develop healthy ways to take out potential stress they build up from their workload. Healthy habits include going for walks, a 10 minute yoga/stretch break, or even play games with other co-workers.
2. Set clear goals and expectations for your employees
When your employees are confused on what milestones they should be hitting, it frustrates them and eventually leads to stress. Creating a clear path for your employees to follow allows for a peace of mind mentality while at work.
3. Establish work and life boundaries
Being on the clock 24/7 does not allow you or your employees to feel refreshed and ready to conquer more work. Work overload will only cost your company because employees are not taking the time to recharge.
4. Encourage continued education
Having a set budget that employees can use towards their education allows for growth, which excites each employee in the business. This method also helps employees continue to succeed in their work, and life.
5. Schedule breaks
This is incredibly important to schedule breaks since it is not humanly possible to work for 9 hours straight. Encourage employees to take breaks together, since having friends at work has been shown to reduce stress as well.
6. Allow pets in the office
Having a furry friend in the office is bound to create positivity and happiness for each employee. Having employees take turns to bring their pets in will better the office vibe. We hope these tips and stressors to look out for helps you and your company to better the workplace and reduce the cost of stress. excel, rather than be stuck on a task.
7. Schedule breaks
This is incredibly important to schedule breaks since it is not humanly possible to work for 9 hours straight. Encourage employees to take breaks together, since having friends at work has been shown to reduce stress as well.
8. Allow pets in the office
Having a furry friend in the office is bound to create positivity and happiness for each employee. Having employees take turns to bring their pets in will better the office vibe.
Takeaway:
We hope these tips and stressors to look out for helps you and your company to better the workplace and reduce the cost of stress.
151515
