In today’s competitive job market, employee wellbeing is more than just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. Research shows that one in three UK employees frequently considers leaving their company. This statistic underscores the urgent need for businesses to prioritise the wellbeing of their workforce.
The Impact of Workplace Stress on Employee Wellbeing
Great Place to Work® conducted a comprehensive survey of 2,200 employees across 11 sectors. The findings reveal a worrying trend: despite efforts by organisations, many employees feel their wellbeing needs are unmet. A staggering 45% of employees admit they don’t look forward to going to work, and only 55% believe their organisation genuinely prioritises their wellbeing.
High levels of workplace stress are prevalent across all industries, particularly among frontline managers. Over half (53%) of UK employees say their job causes excessive stress, with frontline managers reporting the lowest levels of wellbeing. The combination of stress, heavy workloads, and leadership responsibilities significantly impacts their mental health.
Wellbeing directly influences retention. When employees feel supported, they are three times more likely to stay with their employer. In contrast, the absence of wellbeing initiatives leads to higher turnover, costing companies time and money. Given that 36% of UK employees frequently think about leaving their jobs, the link between wellbeing and retention is clear.
What Employees Want from The Workplace
Perks and wellness programs alone aren’t enough. Employees now seek more meaningful support to enhance their wellbeing.
Key areas of focus include:
Work-Life Balance & Hybrid Working:
Flexibility in work arrangements is crucial for managing stress and improving overall wellbeing.
Workload, Resourcing & Processes:
Employees want realistic workloads and efficient processes that reduce stress and increase productivity.
People Management:
Effective leadership that prioritises employee wellbeing can make a significant difference in job satisfaction.
Pay & Financial Security:
Competitive salaries and financial stability are fundamental to employee wellbeing.
Benefits & Wellbeing Programs:
Comprehensive benefits that address mental health, physical health, workplace stress, and financial health are essential.
To truly support employees, organisations must go beyond compliance. This involves creating a workplace culture that genuinely values and promotes wellbeing. Companies should regularly assess their wellbeing initiatives and adapt them to meet the evolving needs of their workforce.
How to Apply These Strategies with Your Team
Promote Work-Life Balance
Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is essential for reducing workplace stress. Implementing flexible working hours or offering remote working options can give employees the autonomy they need to manage their personal and professional lives more effectively. Additionally, it’s important to set clear boundaries around work hours. Encourage employees to disconnect after work and refrain from sending emails or work-related communications outside of these hours unless absolutely necessary. This helps to ensure that employees have time to recharge, which can significantly reduce workplace stress.
Manage Workloads Effectively
One of the most direct ways to alleviate stress in the workplace is by managing workloads effectively. Help employees prioritise their tasks to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. Breaking down larger projects into manageable steps with realistic deadlines can make even the most daunting tasks seem achievable. Regular check-ins with employees can also be beneficial, as they provide an opportunity to discuss workload pressures and adjust as needed. This not only helps in balancing their workload but also ensures that they feel supported by their managers.
Enhance People Management
Good people management is crucial in creating a supportive work environment that minimises stress. Providing managers with training on recognising and responding to signs of workplace stress can make a significant difference. Leaders should be equipped to offer support and solutions when employees are struggling. Additionally, fostering an open communication culture where employees feel safe discussing their stressors is vital. An open-door policy can be instrumental in ensuring that employees feel heard and understood, reducing the likelihood of stress becoming overwhelming.
Foster a Supportive Workplace Culture
A supportive workplace culture plays a key role in mitigating stress. Promoting inclusivity ensures that all employees feel valued and supported, regardless of their role. Team-building activities and collaboration can strengthen relationships among employees, creating a more cohesive and supportive environment. Moreover, recognising and rewarding employees for their hard work and achievements can have a positive impact on morale. When employees feel appreciated, their stress levels decrease, and their job satisfaction increases.
Provide Mental Health Resources
Access to mental health resources is essential for managing workplace stress. Offering confidential counselling services or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) allows employees to seek help for stress-related issues without stigma. Additionally, organising workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and resilience can equip employees with practical tools to manage stress. These resources not only provide immediate support but also foster a culture of wellbeing, where mental health is openly discussed and prioritised.
Implement Effective Processes
Streamlining processes can significantly reduce workplace stress by eliminating inefficiencies that frustrate employees. Regularly reviewing and optimising workflows helps to remove unnecessary steps and make tasks more straightforward. Providing adequate resources and training is also crucial; when employees have the tools and knowledge they need to do their jobs effectively, they are less likely to feel stressed. Ensuring that processes are clear and resources are available creates a more efficient and less stressful work environment.
Support Financial Wellbeing
Financial security is closely linked to employee wellbeing and workplace stress levels. Ensuring that employees are fairly compensated for their work is fundamental, as financial insecurity can be a significant source of stress. Beyond fair compensation, offering financial planning services, such as workshops on budgeting, saving, and financial planning, can empower employees to take control of their financial wellbeing. These initiatives help employees feel more secure and reduce the stress associated with financial uncertainty.
Encourage Breaks and Time Off
Encouraging regular breaks and the use of paid time off is essential for managing stress. Employees who take breaks throughout the day and use their holiday time are better able to manage their stress levels and return to work refreshed and more productive. Encouraging a culture where taking breaks is normalised and respected helps prevent burnout and ensures that employees can maintain a healthy balance between work and rest. Providing opportunities for employees to step away from work, even briefly, can have a lasting impact on their overall wellbeing.
Wellity Training Support
We offer tailored sessions on workplace stress, designed to equip both employees and managers with practical tools and strategies to manage stress effectively and foster a healthier, more supportive work environment.
Live Well, Lead Well
This comprehensive programme, split into two parts, aims to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to foster personal wellbeing and lead effectively in high-stress environments. In Part One, “Live Well,” participants delve into the fundamentals of emotional health, stress management, and energy conservation. Through self-assessment and practical strategies, they learn to identify and overcome personal barriers while crafting an individual energy management plan.
Part Two, “Lead Well,” focuses on leadership responsibilities in creating healthy work environments, recognising signs of distress in employees, and fostering psychological safety. Participants explore techniques for empowering their teams and commit to actionable changes for healthy leadership.
From Distress to De-Stress
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environments, the ability to effectively manage high-pressure workloads and handle stress is crucial for personal wellbeing and professional success. This session is designed to equip participants with the practical skills needed to navigate the challenges of a busy work life while maintaining balance.
Objectives:
- Gain insights into stress triggers and its impact on health.
- Identify early stress indicators in oneself and others.
- Learn mindfulness, breathing exercises, and time management techniques.
- Prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, and optimise productivity.
Book a meeting with our team for more information.
