Work Stress: How Companies Can Encourage a Stress-Free Environment

Businesses and organizations depend on their employees, so it makes sense to create an environment that supports their physical and mental health. People that live with chronic stress are at risk of developing health problems. To reduce the amount of stress your employees deal with, you can create a positive environment that minimizes stress at the workplace. Keep the following tips in mind as you plan your stress-free business environment.

Clear the Clutter

A cluttered workplace can have a negative effect on your employees. Trying to locate important items in a disorganized setting creates needless stress on a daily basis. When planning your office makeover, consider adding storage and organization features that help you manage your clutter problem. If there are employees that struggle with neatness, consider providing everyone on your staff with 15 minutes a day simply for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of their workspace. You may find that this translates into improved performance and productivity.

Encourage De-Stressing Lunches

Invite your employees to bring along their favorite craft to enjoy on their breaks or during lunch. Many employees many enjoy knitting, for example, which can help them de-stress. If you have staffers that don’t typically craft, tell them about the Coloring Book for Me & Mandala which may be a great way for them to unwind when they’re enjoying a coffee break. While arts and crafts may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they can be extremely therapeutic for people who want to alleviate their stress in healthful ways.

Communication

Poor communication creates unnecessary workplace stress. Companies that can improve the level of communication between employees often find that everyone feels less stressed. It’s also important for managers to encourage employees to speak up when they feel stressed or if they have concerns. If employees feel that their opinions are unwanted, they are apt to keep their stress bottled up. By talking to employees, you can help them work through any problems their having at the office.

Create an Eco-Friendly Environment

A stark environment may be clean, but it can also feel sterile and unwelcoming. You can create a warmer and more inviting setting by adding plants to your office. In fact, it’s ideal if you can encourage each employee to keep a plant on their desk. Some may enjoy a tropical plant, while others may want to grow herbal plants. Many indoor plants can actually improve air quality, so your group may literally breathe easier when they’re on the job with plants.

Social Activities

While your employees don’t have to be friends, it sure makes a big difference to your workplace environment when colleagues enjoy one another’s company. You can promote positive relationships within the workplace by planning social events. These may be anything from a formal holiday party to informal after-work pizza parties. Getting to know one another in a social environment could help your employees feel less stressed when working together.

Keep these tips in mind so you can improve your business environment. Stress doesn’t do anyone any good–including your business. With these tips, you can encourage your employees to unwind and do their part to eliminate stress from your environment.

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