In these times, when work stress has become a norm, it is very important to manage stress at work. It can hurt our health and wellbeing if not managed well. There are many ways to deal with stress at work. You can either adopt preventive measures or use the EAP services offered by your company. In this blog post, we will discuss the different ways in which you can manage stress at work. We will also talk about the benefits of using EAP services and why you should go for the Mantra Care EAP package.
Understanding Stress At Work In Brief
We all know what stress is, right? It’s that feeling of being overwhelmed, anxious, or even panicked. But did you know that there’s such a thing as “good” stress?
This kind of stress is called eustress, and it can be beneficial. It can help motivate us to meet deadlines, perform well in challenging situations, and achieve our goals.
However, there’s also bad stress or distress. This is the kind of stress that can lead to health problems, decreased productivity, and burnout. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, it’s important to identify the signs of distress so you can take steps to manage it.
Signs of Stress At Work
The first step in managing stress at work is to identify the signs and symptoms. These can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:
- Feeling irritable or on edge
- Poor sleep or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- May feel constantly anxious or worried
- Withdrawing from work or social activities
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
- Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- You May also feel like you’re in over your head or that you’re not good enough
- Procrastinating more than usual or making mistakes that you wouldn’t normally make
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to take a step back and assess the situation.
- Are you taking on too much work?
- Do you need more help from your team or boss?
- Is there something specific that’s causing you stress?
Once you identify the source of your stress, you can start to take steps to manage it.
Degrees of Stress At Work
Not all stress is bad. A certain amount of stress can help motivate us to get things done. It’s only when the stress becomes too much to handle that it becomes a problem. There are three different levels of stress:
Mild or normal stress: This is the kind of everyday stress we all experience from time to time. It’s the stress of meeting deadlines, juggling our schedules, or dealing with family or personal problems. You can manage mild stress by using some of the tips in this article.
Moderate stress: Moderate stress is more serious and can start to impact your health. This is the kind of stress that can interfere with our ability to function daily. It may cause us to make mistakes, have difficulty concentrating, or feel irritable and tense. If you’re struggling to cope with moderate stress, it’s important to seek help from a professional.
Severe cum excessive stress: This is the most dangerous type of stress. It can occur when we’re under constant or extreme stress for long periods. This can lead to a complete breakdown of our physical and mental health. You need to seek help from a professional if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
Types of Stress At Work
There are two different types of stress: acute stress and chronic stress.
- Acute stress is the kind of short-term stress we feel when we’re faced with a difficult situation, such as an upcoming presentation or deadline. This type of stress can be beneficial, as it can help us to stay focused and motivated.
- Chronic stress is the kind of long-term stress that can hurt our health. It occurs when we’re constantly under pressure, such as in a high-stress job or environment. This type of stress can lead to problems such as anxiety, depression, and heart disease.
Common Causes And Risk Factors
There are a few common causes of stress at work. These include:
Taking on too much work. If you’re constantly being given new tasks or projects, it can be difficult to stay on top of everything. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
Dealing with difficult customers or clients. If you’re constantly being berated or yelled at, it can take a toll on your mental health. This can also lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Having a high level of responsibility. If you’re in charge of a team or department, you may feel like you can’t take a break or relax. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and burnout.
Working in a high-pressure environment. If you’re constantly being asked to meet unrealistic deadlines or goals, it can be difficult to stay calm and focused. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and burnout.
Dealing with a difficult boss. If you feel like your boss is constantly putting you down or nitpicking your work, it can be difficult to stay motivated. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Having a low level of control over your work. If you feel like you’re constantly being given new tasks or projects, it can be difficult to stay on top of everything. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
Risk Factors
Several different factors can contribute to stress at work. These include:
- Job security: Uncertainty about our job or fear of losing our job can cause stress.
- Office politics: Dealing with difficult colleagues or managers can be stressful.
- Job satisfaction: A lack of job satisfaction can lead to stress.
- Commute: A long or difficult commute can add to our stress levels.
Assigning Roles In Eliminating Work Stress
Work-related stress is a management issue because it can have a negative impact on employee productivity, health, and well-being. It is also a legal issue, as employers have a duty of care to their employees.
Thus, several different roles need to be played to effectively manage stress at work. These include the role of managers, the role of HR leaders, the role of colleagues, and the role of employees.
The Role of Managers
Managers play a key role in managing stress at work. They need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stress, as well as the causes and risk factors. They also need to provide support to employees who are experiencing stress.
The Role of HR Leaders
HR leaders also have a role to play in managing stress at work. They need to create policies and procedures that help to reduce stress. They also need to provide support and guidance to employees who are experiencing stress.
The Role of Colleagues
Colleagues also have a role to play in managing stress at work. They need to be supportive of employees who are experiencing stress. They also need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stress, so that they can provide support when needed.
The Role of Employees
Employees also have a role to play in managing stress at work. They need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stress. They also need to be proactive in managing their stress levels.
Managing Stress At Work
There are several different ways to manage stress at work. These include:
Tips For Employees
Here are some tips for employees on how to manage stress at work:
- Identify the signs and symptoms of stress.
- Talk to your manager about your stress levels.
- Take breaks during the day.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet.
Tips For Employers
Here are some tips for employers on how to manage stress at work:
- Create a stress-free environment.
- Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs).
- Normalize taking power breaks during the day.
- Provide support and guidance to employees who are experiencing stress.
Giving Handy Tips For a Healthy and Productive Workplace
We all know that a healthy workplace is a productive workplace. Here are some handy tips on how to create a healthy and productive workplace:
Office Culture For a Healthy Work Environment
The office culture can have a big impact on our stress levels. Positive and supportive office culture can help to reduce stress. Several things can be done to create a positive office culture, such as:
- Encouraging open communication.
- Creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
- Encouraging employees to take breaks.
Office Activities For Positive Culture
Several different activities can be done in the office to help reduce stress. These include:
- Organizing social events.
- Encouraging employees to exercise.
- Offering yoga or meditation classes.
- Creating a quiet space for employees to relax.
Ambiance To Increase Positivity
The ambiance of the office can also impact our stress levels. Creating a calm and relaxing environment can help to reduce stress. Several things can be done to create a calming environment, such as:
- Playing soothing music.
- Using natural lighting.
- Having plants in the office.
Discussing Office Hours Power Breaks
We all need to take breaks during the day, but it can be difficult to find the time. However, power breaks are a good way to make sure that employees are taking the time they need to relax. Power breaks can be defined as:
- A break from work that lasts for at least 20 minutes.
- A break that is taken away from the work environment.
- Or a break that is taken at a time when the employee is not feeling stressed.
Importance of Power Break
Power breaks are important because they:
- Help to reduce stress.
- Allow the body to rest and recover.
- Give the mind a break from work.
How To Take a Power Break At Work
There are several different ways to take a power break at work. These include:
- Meditating
- Stretching
- Taking a walk
- Deep Breathing
- Reading a book
- Listening to music
- Taking a power nap
- Eliminating distractions during the break
Activities To Refrain From During Your Power Break
Several different activities should be avoided during a power break. These include:
- Using social media
- Checking work emails
- Smoking and drinking
- Doing work-related tasks
Beating Down Work Stress Via EAP Services
EAP stands for the employee assistance program. It is a service that provides support to employees who are experiencing stress. EAP services can include counseling, financial planning, and legal advice.
EAP services can help to reduce stress by providing support and guidance to employees. They can also help to create a healthy workplace environment.
Why Choose Mantra Care EAP Package
Mantra Care is a leading provider of EAP services for small, medium, and large businesses. We offer confidential counseling for employees who need support. Our team of experienced and qualified counselors and a range of experts can provide personalized and customized support to your employees. Therefore, we offer a range of different services, such as:
- yoga and meditation sessions,
- nutrition charts and counseling
- educational resources on stress management.
How It Works
Mantra Care EAP services are easy to use. We have a team of experts who are available 24/ hours a day, seven days a week. Your employees are just a click away from getting the support they need. We are available by app, email, phone, or live chat.
NOTE: If you are looking for a way to reduce stress at work, then consider using Mantra Care EAP services. Mantra Care is a leading provider of EAP services and can help you create a healthy workplace environment. Contact us today to find out more about our EAP services.
Conclusion
Stress at work is a common problem. However, there are several different ways to manage stress. Employees need to be proactive in managing their stress levels. Employers also need to provide support and guidance to employees who are experiencing stress. EAP services can also help to reduce stress by providing support and guidance to employees.
A Word From MantraCare Wellness
Employee wellness programs are the key to improving employee motivation, productivity, and retention. At MantraCare Wellness, we have a team of health experts, counselors, and coaches who serve corporate employees with 10+ wellbeing programs including EAP, Employee Diabetes Reversal, Corporate MSK, PCOS, Employee Fitness, Corporate Yoga, Employee meditation, and Employee Smoking Cessation.
