12 ways to fight stress at work

March 19, 2024

Everyone experiences pressure from time to time. Workplace stress, also called job stress, is very common. In fact, many people say that their job is the biggest stressor in their lives. A recent Gallup poll stated that 44% of workers experience significant stress. More than one-fifth admitted feeling both anger and sadness while at work.¹

Prioritizing mental health in the workplace is vital. Over the past few years, the organizational structure of businesses has changed and managers have realized that positive shifts must be made to protect the well-being of employees.¹ Learning how to help your workforce manage their stress is a great way to create a safer and happier workplace, as well as possibly increase productivity.

What is Workplace Stress?

Workplace stress stems from feeling like your job outpaces your needs, abilities and resources. This can lead to health problems and even injuries.² According to the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) survey on workplace stress in the US:³

• 65% of US workers say their work is a significant source of stress.
• 83% have work-related stress.
• 54% say that stress also affects their life away from work.

This can affect job performance, communication and daily functioning.⁴ It can become a serious problem and employers should really be thinking about what they can do to improve the workplace for their employees so they feel happy and not overwhelmed.;

What Can I Do to Help?

When it comes to taking care of your employees, ensuring that they have a healthy workplace that allows them to do their best work is critical. That’s why taking the steps you can help manage work stress is so important. 85% of US workers believe employers who take action to reduce the job stress of their employees will positively affect their mental health. And it’s cost-effective, too. Every dollar U.S. employers spend treating common mental health issues, they receive a return of $4 in improved health and productivity.³

So now that you know help is needed, here are 12 things you can do to make a difference in your workplace:

1. Instead of simply wondering why your employees are stressed out, provide an open and honest forum for them to explain what makes them anxious about work. It could be common stressors such as a heavy workload, shifts in hours, a perceived lack of support from co-workers and supervisors, feeling underappreciated or stressors from outside the workplace. By meeting with them, either in a group or one-on-one, you show both empathy and the fact that you want to work with them toward finding a less anxious workplace.^1,6 
2. Help your employees better their time management skills. Work with them to set realistic goals, prioritize projects and protect the time to get the job done. Be ready, willing and able to support their needs.⁷
3. Support their mental health. A recent survey noted that over 80% of people said that how companies support mental health has a significant effect on where they will choose to work¹. Empathy is important. Be vulnerable and honest about your own struggles with stress and share skills you have learned.⁸
4. Encourage people to use their PTO instead of letting it go to waste. ^3,4 Taking a break from work is important for mental health and physical health. Studies have shown that taking a vacation day increases well-being and mindfulness.⁹ PTO is there for a reason, so try to make sure your employees use their available time.
5. When possible, allow people to work from home (WFH) or offer hybrid hours. Multiple studies have shown that individuals who work from home are both happier and more productive.^4,10
6. Provide mental health resources to help foster a psychologically healthy work environment.^3,4 Examples of resources include access to mental health self-assessment tools; providing free, low-cost or subsidized lifestyle coaching; or hosting seminars to teach stress management techniques.⁴
7. Be a positive leader. Your positive leadership increases the energy of workers. Offer help and praise accomplishments. Remember to thank people personally for their contributions and be ready to cheer on your workforce when they need it.¹¹
8. Help ensure a good work-life balance for everyone. Research has shown the importance of balance between work hours and non-work hours. Achieving that balance increases employee happiness, which can lead to better productivity.^1,2
9. Encourage diversity, especially in leadership roles. Organizations with diverse leadership are more likely to be psychologically healthy.⁴
10. Listen to your workforce. Let them be part of conversations and decisions that may affect their job.¹ If they have concerns or problems with their supervisor or coworkers, find out what the issues are and try to offer solutions.⁶
11. Lead by example. Be aware of your own mental health and stress level. Managers, especially mid-level managers, are prone to high levels of workplace stress.^1,3 If you are the one feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, remember that you can’t help others until you first help yourself.
12. Designate a quiet place in the office where people can meditate or just relax away from their computers for a few minutes. Maintain the space as a peaceful oasis meant to allow a break from work, at work.⁴

Reducing workplace stress is good for your employees and your bottom line. By helping your employees manage their job stress, you can help prevent accidents and injuries, improve the overall well-being and morale of your company and create a culture of positivity that might be missing from your organization. Support the needs of your employees – and yourself – and they will support your company.

Originally published April 2023. Updated March 2024.

References:

1 Centers for Disease Control (CDC). “STRESS… At Work.” June 6, 2014. Accessed February 23, 2023.

2 US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “Workplace Stress: Overview.” Accessed February 23, 2023.

3 OSHA. “Workplace Stress: Guidance and Tips for Employers.” Accessed February 23, 2023.

4 American Psychological Association (APA). “The American workforce faces compounding pressure.” Accessed February 23, 2023.

5 Harvard Business Review. “8 Ways Managers can Support Employee’s Mental Health.” August 7, 2020. Accessed February 24, 2023.

6 American Psychological Association (APA). “The American workforce faces compounding pressure.” Accessed February 23, 2023.

7 Forbes Magazine. “3 New Studies End the Debate Over Effectiveness Of Hybrid And Remote Work.” February 4, 2022. Accessed February 24, 2023.

8 Tracking Happiness. “Remote Work is Linked to Happiness: Study of 12,455 Respondents.” January 29, 2023. Accessed February 24, 2023.

9 Frontiers in Psychology. “How remote working increases the importance of positive leadership for employee vigor.” January 20, 2023. Accessed February 27, 2023.

10 PLoS One. “Learning from work-from-home issues during the COVID-19 pandemic: Balance speaks louder than words.” January 13, 2022. Accessed February 27, 2023.