5 tips for reducing workplace stress

And creating healthier workplace environments

Office stress pervades every industry at every level, causing health problems, worker inefficiency, and mental health issues that cost U.S. businesses in more ways than one. A 2016 report by Harvard University found that 36 percent of workers suffer from job-related stress, costing businesses $30 billion per year in lost workdays. Professionals also reported that job stress had a negative impact on their sleep cycle (27 percent), eating habits (28 percent), and weight (22 percent), indicating a national stress epidemic that degrades the workplace environment and the personal lives of employees.

How do we start to reduce stress in the workplace?

Sharon Schweitzer, an international business etiquette expert, bestselling author and the founder of Access to Culture, says to consider these five tips for creating a healthier office environment.

1. Identify the Source: Observe whether there are certain situations that generate stress, or the times of day when you feel under pressure. If morning meetings make you sweat, try practicing meditation or take a few moments to decompress once you’re back at your desk. If you get overwhelmed every time you take inventory, ask a coworker to lend a hand. Recognizing stressors is the first step towards eliminating them for a healthier work environment.

 

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