Strategies for the Employer to Reduce/Prevent Work Stress

Companies lose billions of dollars each year to work stress. Employees under stress from work account for more and more lost time and productivity, and also for rising health care costs. But there are many things that companies and supervisors can do to help prevent and reduce work stress for their employees.

• EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs)

  Employee Assistance Programs are probably one of the easiest ways you can help to reduce work stress for your employees. EAPs are confidential, short term counseling services that can be purchased by your company for your employees. Employees would only need to go to the human resources department to be linked with a counselor in the area. EAPs can also offer workshops to your whole office about things like relaxation, stress reduction and time management.

• Improve Office Communication

  As a supervisor or employer, it can be helpful if you create an office culture in which employees are involved in decisions affecting them, and also have a general understanding about what is going on for the company. This can help quell work stress brought on by a fear of job impermanence and feelings of helplessness as well as provide your employees with a sense of involvement and investment in the company/organization.

• Clear Definition of Roles and Responsibilities

  Make sure each employee has access to a copy of their job description, and add any new responsibilities as they occur. This way everyone feels as though they have made a decision to accept the work they are doing, as opposed to having it thrust upon them with no choice in the matter. You'll also want to take a look to make sure the workload is evenly balanced. Work stress can easily result when a few people feel like they are pulling the weight of many.

• Make Yourself Available

  Don't be afraid to make yourself available to your employees. Of course you don't want to be solving every little problem - or you will be incapacitated by work stress. But make sure that your employees do know that you are available for support and that you are easily accessible.

• Don't Be Afraid to Praise

  Everyone loves to be told they are doing well in their work, especially by their boss. Make sure that you take each opportunity available to praise your employees. We all hear enough about what needs to be done, and what needs to be different. It is uplifting to have positive feedback, and when you feel positive, it is easier to combat work stress.

• Promote a Positive Social Climate

  Make sure everyone feels safe in the work place. Work stress will be high for employees in environments in which harassment and violence are present. Make sure that the office knows that there is a Zero Tolerance for these things at the company. Also, consider arranging some social events, where people can get to know each other and interact on a different level. This can help make people feel supported and connected and thereby help decrease feelings of stress in the workplace.

• What Is Work Stress?
• Health Effects of Workplace Stress
• Causes of Workplace Stress
• Prevelance of Workplace Stress
• How Do You Know It's Work Stress
• Strategies for Reducing Work Stress for the Employee
• Strategies for Reducing Work Stress for the Employer
• Workplace Stress Myths and Facts
• Facts about Work Stress