Top tips for reducing stress in the workplace

2 Nov

What does it take for a business to be successful? A key ingredient is happy, engaged and motivated employees. In fact, one study found that happy employees are up to 20% more productive.

A major barrier to employee happiness is stress. As well as having a negative impact on the health of your employees, including making them prone to weight gain and increasing their chances of heart attacks and strokes, it can also negatively affect their work performance. Stress can put a strain on employee relationships, reduce focus and lead to poor time management.

The good news is, as a business there are simple ways to look after the wellbeing of your employees. We are looking at the benefits of a happy workforce and what you can do to reduce employee stress and generate positive results for your business.

Making life sweet at work

1) Boost productivity

It might seem that the more successful we are the happier we’ll be, but research shows that in fact, happiness increases the likelihood of success. When we are in a positive frame of mind, our memory, concentration and ability to process new information are better.

2) Encourage creativity

Creativity is essential for staying ahead in ever-evolving and competitive markets. Research suggests that happiness makes us more creative as it encourages mental flexibility, broadening our attention so that we can identify more creative solutions to problems.

3) Aid employee retention

Happiness and contentment are key to retaining employees. Feeling appreciated, engaged and having continuous opportunities to develop are all contributing factors to employee happiness. Read more about how to design a desirable employee benefits package here.

How can you reduce employee stress?

1) Prioritise employee wellbeing

It might seem obvious, but encouraging your employees to take regular breaks, use their annual leave, eat healthily and get enough exercise should not be understated. Examples of how you could support these initiatives include providing free fruit in the office, flexible working hours, and free or discounted gym memberships.

In addition, an employee benefits package that includes private medical insurance, hospital cash plans and critical illness insurance will give your employees peace of mind that they are looked after should anything happen to them.

2) Future-proof your workforce

Money is a major cause of stress for many people. However, you can reassure employees that you are helping them plan for their future with an employee benefits package. In addition to a workplace pension, the package can also provide income protection if an employee is unable to work due to illness or injury, and life assurance that would provide their dependants with a lump sum payment in the event of death.

In terms of job satisfaction, personal development is a contributing factor to employee happiness. Investing in your employees’ futures, whether that be through training or study schemes, is a proven way to make individuals feel valued.

3) Show your appreciation

Studies show that recognition from their managers is the number one thing that inspires employees at work. A flexible employee benefits package means you can design a unique programme that works for your business and employees. You can boost employee engagement, motivation and retention with rewards and incentives such as free massages, retail, food discounts and social events.

A happy workforce aids employee productivity, creativity and retention, which are all contributing factors to business success. An employee benefits package will reassure your employees that their wellbeing and futures are being looked after by a company that cares for them.

Learn more about how an employee benefits package could help you and your employees

To find out more about employee benefits packages for your organisation, give our expert employee benefits team a call on 02920 853788 or email us at hello@thomas-caroll.co.uk. We have offices in Caerphilly, Newport, Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Hereford and London.