Stress in the Workplace |
In 2005, Personnel Today reckoned that Stress in the Workplace cost the UK £100 |
bn a year. 5 years later employees still struggle to manage stress at work, with |
further demands on employees. Even small companies who dont have the resources |
for flexi time policies, quiet rooms, counselling can make small changes. |
Employees still find it difficult to disclose, bulllying, relationship issues, emotional |
and mental health problems in relation, to prejudice, fear of future career prospects. |
So what can the small business or employer do to help ? Small, simple changes can |
hel preduce staff's stressors and general moral. |
Breaks: emphasise to employees the importance of taking lunch and tea breaks. |
Vital to restore energy levels and clarity, and reminds the body to switch off and relax. |
Healthy Eating: encourage healthy eating, provide fruit baskets or use local fruit |
or snack suppliers to supply healthy options, rather than the local hot dog van. |
Many employees eat on convenience, offer healthier options, have healthier staff. |
Healthy Environment: it is important that any environment is as healthy as can be no |
matter what type of work and industry. Noise pollution, environmental issues can |
have a serious impact on someone already suffering from stress or health issues. |
Is air conditioning, healthy room temperature, comfortable seating, adequate ? |
Employee Perks: Discounts or free access to counselling , therapies is another |
way to help support yourstaff encourage them to stay in the workplace rather than |
off at home. A great bonus is to offer staff a free therapy day or lunchtime therapy |
week every so often. Some companies offer this monthly, even yearly as a bonus. |
Some companies pay a portion of this service. Offer and In-House Stress-Coach |
Self Development: Encourage staff to develop positive life skills, to |
manage their stress in and outside work, better communication skills |
is helpful for all relationships, Relax;meditation and relaxation classes |
teaches you to relax deeply and effectively. Individual Sessions helps |
YOU manage YOUR individual stressors. |
Supportive Management : reassuring employees that personal or work problems |
can be discussed with sensitivity and in total confidence is vital. Regular reviews |
with individuals builds up trust and can minimisefuture problems . Is your staff |
approachable, professional, and supportive ? Do they recognise if employees are |
suffering from Stress? Get some Stress Management Awareness Training. |
Water: Dehydration causes added stress to body function. Regular intake of fresh |
clean, water is vital to keep us functioning well. Why not supply your staff with a |
water well, a small cost to help your staff. |
Workplace Training: Training & Education in the workplace can be very helpful. It |
encourages team building, awareness, further skills and confidence. Assertiveness, |
Confidence Building and Stress Management can empower your employees as |
individuals. This can be empowering for both employers and employees. |
by Eileen Burns www.stress-coach.co.uk
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