Stress relief solutions within the workplace

Current research has found that employees are searching the internet for tips on how to manage stress. Work related stress problems in the UK are currently costing around 10.4 million days per year, with nearly three in ten employees experiencing a mental health problem annually.

Phrases that are being googled extensively on the internet by employees working in the UK are “How to deal with stress” and “signs of stress”. “Time management” is also being googled in order for employees to find a balance between managing their work life and their personal life.

Stress can cause both physical and mental health problems from headaches, sickness and insomnia to mental disorders, ulcers and problems with social and family life.

The Health and Safety Executive states that work related stress can be managed through the following areas:-

Demands – this covers issues such as workload, work patterns and the work environment, and whether or not people feel that demands are acceptable.

Control – this relates to how much say a person has in the way they do their work, and whether or not they feel that they’re able to offer input or use initiative.

Support – encouragement, sponsorship and resources should be provided by the organisation, line management and colleagues, so that all staff members feel supported in their day-to-day role.

Relationships – relationships within an organisation are vital. This point includes promoting a positive work environment to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour appropriately.

Role – whether people understand their role and responsibilities within a company, and feel comfortable rather than conflicted.

Change – relating to how any changes are managed and communicated within an organisation

If a business can fulfil each of these stages, employee mental wellness should be high resulting in an increase of performance and healthier happier employees, therefore reducing absenteeism and costs within the workplace. (http://www.samsltd.co.uk/managing-workplace-stress/)

Employers should do their bit too, encourage their employees to take a break away from their desk for example taking lunch outside of the office. This can help increase productivity and positivity; most particularly in the afternoon.

After a difficult day at work taking exercise or spending time with family and friends can help to clear the mind and relax the body. Ensuring that employees also receive the right amount of sleep is vital for the body to be able to operate at maximum capacity.

BDHL advise managing stress through planning, delegating, resting and reviewing.

Plan your tasks and set achievable, realistic objectives to ensure that every day you achieve a goal.

Delegate tasks to your colleagues or speak to your manager about your workload.

Rest is vital for the mind and body. Take your lunch break and go for a walk outside, ensure you also have enough sleep during night.

Review your current employee benefits. Some medical insurances, risk insurance and cash plans include an employee assisted program (EAP) which provides counselling and support sessions.

Within the workplace having a health and wellbeing strategy can directly motivate and retain employees. Whilst ensuring that employees feel cared for and valued. At BDHL we provide both private and corporate clients with total health care employee benefits. These are tailor designed to ensure that we are offering the best available deal on the market.

Whether you have a policy already or are looking to introduce a wellbeing strategy contact BDHL and we can talk you through the various options available that could be suitable for your business ethos.

Call us on +44 (0)1892 891 900 or email enquiries@bdhl.co.uk