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How can I Reduce Workplace Stress?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

Workplace stress not only takes a physical and mental toll on employees, but it can also take a financial toll on employers. Unchecked workplace stress could lead to higher absenteeism, lower productivity, employee burnout and increased job turnover. There are a number of things both employers and employees can do in order to reduce workplace stress, however. Few workplaces can ever become completely stress-free, but there are known stressors which can be addressed with minimal expense or effort.

One way to reduce workplace stress is to identify the actual source or sources of the stressor. Employees should be encouraged to share specific sources of stress, such as a defective piece of equipment, an unrealistic deadline, a lack of communication between departments, an under-performing co-worker or even an overly critical supervisor. Once a specific stressor is acknowledged, then someone could take tangible steps to correct it. Replacing a defective machine or changing a deadline would be much cheaper than replacing the stressed-out employees who regularly work under those conditions.

Employee burnout can be the result of workplace stress.
Employee burnout can be the result of workplace stress.

Another way to reduce workplace stress is to take full advantage of planned breaks throughout the day. Some workers use a lunch break to take a short power nap, for example. Instead of sitting at a desk or in a break room, taking a walk or performing light calisthenic exercises may help a worker destress. Some employees find doing something personal, such as checking emails or phoning a friend, gives them a sense of control over their time spent at work. Workplace stress can be triggered by feeling overwhelmed by the workload or overly controlled by unsympathetic supervisors.

Team-building exercises or retreats may help alleviate workplace stress.
Team-building exercises or retreats may help alleviate workplace stress.

Some employers deal with workplace stress by encouraging employees to participate in team-building exercises or company retreats. Improving overall employee morale is an effective way for employers to reduce workplace stress, as is taking proactive steps to identify any conflicts between co-workers. Allowing employees to customize or personalize their individual work spaces is also a good way to reduce stress in an office or factory floor environment.

Short power naps may help reduce workplace stress.
Short power naps may help reduce workplace stress.

There is also a mental or emotional component to workplace stress which should be addressed whenever possible. Employers should encourage employees who feel burned out or stressed to seek professional counseling. Anger management counseling could reduce the stress level between co-workers or an employee and his or her supervisor. Many people who work in highly stressful positions have difficulty leaving their workplace stress behind them whenever they return home. Working on a more manageable work/life balance while away from the workplace can help many people put their jobs into perspective and not allow work stressors to interfere with their personal lives.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular WiseGEEK contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Laotionne

If you are like me, then there are places you would rather be for eight hours a day than in the workplace. Just having to be there creates workplace stress for me. I think the way you choose to look at a situation is what determines how much stress you feel.

Yes, my boss gets on my nerves and I would rather sleep in and then go hang out with my friends, but that is not my reality, so I accept this. The way I see it, I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to pay my bills and do some of the fun things I enjoy.

I deal with workplace stress by imagining how much stress I would have if I didn't have a workplace to go to for eight hours a day, five days a week.

Sporkasia

I work in a newsroom, and a certain amount of stress is par for the course in my position. I find that taking short breaks help reduce stress for me. A quick walk to the water dispenser gets me out of my office, and I get to interact briefly with my coworkers as I make my trek. Both of these things give me a needed burst of energy, so I can get back to my desk and focus on work.

Drentel

I play basketball at lunch with a group of guys, most of whom work at the same place. They often readjust their lunch schedules and sometimes take longer than they should before they return to work.

For many employers this would be a major problem, but the guys say that their managers encourage them to go play ball at lunch because the activity builds comaraderie and puts them in a better mood at work.

In fact, the guys say they get more done when they are at work when they have the lunchtime games to look forward to. Also, when they return to work after playing ball they feel refreshed and ready to tackle the remainder of the work day.

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    • Employee burnout can be the result of workplace stress.
      By: berc
      Employee burnout can be the result of workplace stress.
    • Team-building exercises or retreats may help alleviate workplace stress.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Team-building exercises or retreats may help alleviate workplace stress.
    • Short power naps may help reduce workplace stress.
      By: Sanjay Deva
      Short power naps may help reduce workplace stress.
    • Anger management counseling could reduce the stress level between co-workers.
      By: auremar
      Anger management counseling could reduce the stress level between co-workers.
    • Professionals who work in high-stress industries can benefit from taking mental health days.
      By: aijohn784
      Professionals who work in high-stress industries can benefit from taking mental health days.
    • At any workplace, it's essential that all employees feel that grievances  will be heard fairly and without fear of retribution.
      By: redav
      At any workplace, it's essential that all employees feel that grievances will be heard fairly and without fear of retribution.
    • Meditating is one way to reduce workplace stress.
      By: DenisNata
      Meditating is one way to reduce workplace stress.
    • Choosing a different shift can help reduce workplace stress.
      By: Syda Productions
      Choosing a different shift can help reduce workplace stress.
    • Workplace stress can become more severe if a person brings their work home with them.
      By: kmiragaya
      Workplace stress can become more severe if a person brings their work home with them.
    • Workplace stress can cause burnout.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Workplace stress can cause burnout.
    • Co-workers may go out for a round of drinks as a way to blow off steam.
      By: jillchen
      Co-workers may go out for a round of drinks as a way to blow off steam.