Stress in the workplace is a common cause of decreased productivity. According to Luton-Today, studies have found that ’13 million working days are lost each year because of stress at a cost to the UK economy of £3.7 billion.’
In this difficult economical situation, it is common for employees to find it hard to cope with the stress experienced in the workplace. Regardless of a person’s salary, seniority or occupation, people are still spending more of their time at work feeling drained, rather than relaxed and alert. The terms ‘budget cuts’ and ‘layoffs’ have become more and more commonplace and with the uncertainty of the economy, inevitably comes stress.
Of course, a certain amount of stress in the workplace is normal and a little stress can actually increase productivity and make one feel more focused. However, the problem lies in excessive stress, which can often interfere with an employee’s efficiency and their health. It is essential for business owners to implement simple, but effective changes which will help their employees to manage their stress levels.
Being able to handle one’s stress levels will not only increase the productivity of the workplace as a whole, but will also improve one’s emotional and physical health. Many people find that stress is somewhat ‘contagious’, in that one person’s high stress levels in the office can actually have a negative impact on other’s employee’s focus as well. Equally though, if a single employee learns to manage stress, this can have a positive influence on their colleagues. Signs of feeling overwhelmed and stressed at work include irritability and decreased productivity. Work then feels less rewarding and a vicious cycle then ensues.
However worrying this all may sound, controlling stress and bringing it down to a manageable level is actually quite simple and straightforward. Things like eating healthily, going for a walk in the fresh air during a lunch break and practising deep breathing exercises can all be helpful in reducing stress. Business owners can also assist their employees in decreasing their stress levels through the use of practical promotional products. Handing out a desktop massager or a relaxation package can work wonders in lowering the stress of employees. Consider this type of promotional gift for employees an investment; the healthier and happier your employees are, the more likely it is that your business will succeed and flourish, with the help of focused, yet relaxed workers.
