Can Leaders Cure the Problem of Employee Stress?

Edward Ed Schinik, COO, Yorkville Advisors

It's easy to assume that "stress" and "work" are two terms that must go hand-in-hand. After all, it's called work for a reason. Yet, there's a point at which stress can become so significant that it starts to harm employee health - and when employees are no longer well enough to come to the workplace, the whole business begins to suffer. In fact, studies find that around two in every five employees claim stress at work may be affecting their health. 

Often, the primary culprits of workplace stress are long hours and increased demands on the workforce. However, employees also struggle with difficult management and poor relationships with coworkers too. Fortunately, with the right leadership style, it's possible to cure the issue of employee stress.

Encouraging Breaks Reduces Anxiety 

Though it's tempting to push staff to achieve their absolute best during workdays, every employee must take plenty of breaks to refresh their minds and ensure they're ready to tackle the remainder of the day. The law itself entitles employees to twenty minutes of time away from their desk for every six hours they work. It's crucial to ensure that your staff are taking those hard-earned breaks. 

Though moments outside or standing around the water cooler might seem counterproductive, studies show that people are at their best when working in 90-minute intervals. This means that brands get better work from their team when they're ready to provide them with regular periods of work.

Employees Want a Leader Who Listens 

Sometimes employees don't need a pay-rise to help them overcome stress at work - they just need a chance to share their thoughts and express concerns. Many professionals feel uncomfortable talking to their bosses because they don't want to create the impression that they don't know how to handle their jobs. However, reducing stress and being an effective leader means bridging the communication gap. 

Listening to employee concerns and treating them with respect is crucial to encouraging both stress-free performance and creative thinking in an organisation. If employees know that they can be honest about their issues and their leader will listen compassionately, they'll be much less likely to experience frustration and anxiety.

Bonded Teams Make Better Workers 

Support can come from a range of different places within a work environment. Beside the guidance and respect they get from their bosses, today's staff are also looking for support from the other peers in their industry. Teammates make up a valuable support system at work - but if a team is dysfunctional and unable to communicate properly, this is bound to lead to stress. 

Leaders can't force team members to bond, but they can encourage staff to connect with each other in a positive way, building trusting, and solid relationships for the future. When teams are strong, there's better communication, better trust, and stronger opportunities for growth in the future. Leaders can schedule experiences and shared events where staff can come together to explore their strengths and weaknesses in a safe space. 

The more a business works well together, the less pressure any one person faces - reducing the risk of stress.