Stress in the workplace is something that you want to try to manage. There is nothing worse than finding out too late that your star employee goes to bed every Sunday night already stressed about work on Monday, especially if it is stress that can be avoided or better managed.
Employee performance can be affected by stress. Studies have shown that living with chronic stress can cause the body to have a weakened immune system, higher blood pressure, headaches, and stomach issues just to name a few. So what can you do as a business owner to help reduce the stress that you and/or your employees may be feeling from the everyday work?
Have an open door policy. Much of work place related stress comes from lack of communication or mixed communication. Many people aren’t necessarily stressed out by the work that they are given, but by the uncertainty of how they are expected to complete the work or what the final outcome is to be. The open door policy allows your employees to talk to you and work out any frustrations that they may be facing and allows for open channels of communication.
Let them own their workspace. For many jobs where you don’t have a physical office for each employee, start by increasing the lighting, the more natural light the better. Also, using light colors can help to improve the mood. If your employees do have their own office, cubical, or workspace, let it be theirs. Allow them to decorate to give them a sense that their work space is comfortable and reflects their personality
Be flexible with scheduling. For employees, a big part of work related stress is being able to balance their personal life with their work life. If it is possible, flexible scheduling allows them to pick when they want to work, working around their personal life. For many businesses, it may not be necessary for employees to be there on set hours. Letting them pick when they want to work, as long as they get the required hours in, will help them to reduce the stress of trying to manage home and work life.
As a business owner it is your responsibility to take care of and manage your employees. This means that when at all possible you should help to manage their stress levels. Not only will you find that your employees are happier and healthier, but you will also see their overall work increase.
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.