6 Ways Employers Can Spot, Manage, and Reduce Workplace Stress

According to Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2022 Report, a survey of 1,000 U.S. employed adults, employee stress is pervasive. Fifty-one percent of Americans feel daily stress during their workday. 

"Stress is present in many areas of people's lives, and the workplace is no exception," says Daniel Clark, CEO of Brain.fm, which produces music to help people focus and sleep better. "Stress distracts employees from getting their jobs done. The distraction can be a few minutes an hour, but compounded over days, weeks, and multiple employees, costs employers millions in lost time and productivity." 

Employee stress may very well be at an all-time high thanks to today's advanced technology, believes James Cassel, chairman and founder of Cassel Salpeter & Co, a midmarket investment banking firm. 

"The internet and the assumption it fosters that one should respond immediately is a great stress for many," says Cassel. "Employees face constant deadlines and expectations to move quickly, many times without the opportunity to really think things through. This can cause substantial friction." 

There is no greater inhibitor to an employee's performance than stress, notes Jason Hall, founder and CEO of FiveChannels Marketing. "If employees are stressed, they're not thinking clearly, their creativity is reduced, and they're more prone to mistakes, all of which can negatively impact your company." 

Employee Stress Levels – What Causes a Rise? 

A variety of factors in the workplace can lead to rising employee stress levels, with hectic work-lives combined with concerns about the economy only exacerbating things. 

Managers shouldn’t underestimate the importance of noticing and remedying potential stressors. Unreasonable or unreachable deadlines, toxic coworkers, and poor job fit can all be key factors for unnecessary stress levels. 

If employees are stressed, they're not thinking clearly, their creativity is reduced, and they're more prone to mistakes, all of which can negatively impact your company.

—Jason Hall, founder and CEO, FiveChannels Marketing

Stress often leads to people leaving their positions and high employee turnover could be a sign that something is wrong in the wider workplace. 

So, what causes workplace stress? Key stressors include: 

• Insufficient pay 
• Poor workplace relationships 
• Organization culture 
• Management issues
• Lack of support
• Long hours
• Heavy workload
• Tight deadlines
• Changes to role or duties
• Job insecurity
• Over-supervision
• Lack of resources
• No opportunity for progression
• Discrimination or harassment

How to Identify Workplace Stress 

Without conducting an employee survey or looking at the statistics, how can you spot employee stress? Here are some signs that your workers are heading for anxiety and burnout.

Confusion

If you know tasks have been explained thoroughly and employees show confusion, this is a sign of stress. 

Change in Behavior or Performance

Any sudden changes of performance can indicate that the job is getting to the employee. 

Lack of Focus

If the employee begins to lack focus, or attention to detail, this can be a sign of stress. 

Showing up Late

If a once punctual employee begins to show up late, keep an eye on this pattern. 

Physical Clues

Changes in skin coloring, hair texture, red eyes, lack of energy, failure to eat, or overeating are common signs of stress. 

Mood Swings

Stress can cause people to experience emotional roller coasters – be on the lookout for crying, anger, frustration, or any other emotional behavior. 

Mood Changes

When an employee who is usually positive and outgoing suddenly seems overwhelmed and negative, suspect stress. 

Taking More Time Off

Employees suddenly taking more leave? Take note – they may be feeling overwhelmed. 

6 Tips to Help Manage and Reduce Workplace Stress 

Once you've identified that employee stress may be at play and the potential causes, it's ideal if you can ease the stress, which can help encourage employees to have a better work experience. Try the following ideas to help reduce stress at work. 

1. Create an Open-Door Policy

"It's important to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking to their managers about stress-related issues," says Kareem Bakr, director at Selby Jennings, a recruitment company. “The first step to successful stress mitigation is establishing an open platform for people to feel comfortable sharing their challenges without being judged." 

2. Openly Discuss the Issue 

"The best thing leaders can do when they spot employee stress is to bring it to the surface," says Heather Younger, founder and CEO of Customer Fanatix, LLC, which provides coaching in leadership development and employee engagement. "Let employees vent if they're open to it. If they're not forthcoming, make it clear that you've noticed a change in them and that you're there to help." 

3. Make Expectations Clear 

Prevent unnecessary workplace stress by setting clear expectations about timelines and deadlines. Follow up to ensure that the expectations are reasonable and that employees can meet those goals with a positive attitude. 

4. Provide Opportunities to Unwind During the Workday

"Offer employees an area where they can socialize during breaks. Sitting at a desk all day alone is not conducive to an enjoyable work atmosphere," suggests Bob Ellis, owner of Bavarian Clockworks.

"Find ways to create relaxed environments with an open communication policy and culture," adds Nick Murphy, host of The Job Lab Podcast. "Whether it's an employee lounge with beanbags or frequent team building events in a relaxed environment – it's important to encourage and support time to decompress." 

5. Ensure Job Fit 

"Often, employee stress comes from someone being in the wrong role for the person's personality type and abilities," says Michael Maibach, CEO and founder of Lab Society, which offers lab supplies and equipment. "Dedicating time to discover how to modify employee roles to better suit their personalities and skill sets is well worth the effort." 

6. Provide Flexible Work Schedules 

Being open to giving employees some leeway in their schedules goes a long way toward a less stressful workplace, says Chris Padgett, co-founder and CEO of Fusion3 3D Printers. "Allowing workers to start a little later and leave a little earlier or work from home on occasion can have a positive impact on their overall quality of life." 

A version of this article was originally published on April 20, 2018.

Photo: STOCKSY