7 key tips to reduce workplace stress

7 Key tips to reduce workplace stress

Take the following steps to reduce the stress of your workers

1. Encourage regular rest breaks for workers, including breaks between shifts.
2. Ensure workloads are manageable and reasonable for everyone.
3. Set clear limits on overtime to help prevent burnout.
4. Provide training for managers to help them recognise and support employees experiencing stress.
5. Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment for all team members.
6. Offer access to support services, such as counselling, to those in need.
7. Implement flexible work arrangements to help employees balance their personal responsibilities.

Increased working hours causing workplace stress

While the nature of work can impose stress on your staff, a survey by the Australian Psychological Society suggests that the uncertainty of when the working day will end is also a significant stressor.

Increasingly, the working pattern for Australians has changed over the decades and the regular 9 to 5 job is increasingly becoming a thing of the past.

One of the main issues that have added to workers’ stress levels is the requirement to meet other commitments, such as child care, social activities, or appointments while remaining uncertain about when the working day will end.

Staff are also prone to keeping their phones on in the evenings and in many organisations, there is an expectation that staff will always be contactable.

Stress caused by these increased demands can lead to poor performance, absences from work due to ill health, and even workers’ compensation claims.

In conjunction with other measures to reduce stress levels in your organisation, consider when staff are required to work till and whether the nature of your business can accommodate more certainty for people as to when they will finish each day. Improving the level of certainty in that regard can have significant ongoing benefits for your staff and in turn your organisation.

“Go home and switch off the phone” is an important message you should tell your staff to help ensure their ongoing health and wellbeing.

At Complete Staff Solutions, your wellbeing is our priority. We’re here to share tips and support for managing stress, so you can perform at your best every day.