What you really need to know about stress in the workplace

Learn how to spot signs of stress in your employees! Here are some things to watch out for:  

Mood swings 

Elevated irritability, twitchiness, and nervousness could be due to being overwhelmed.  

Visible Fatigue  

Stress can also manifest physically from deep dark eye circles to excessive sweating, and many more. Sick leaves can also become more rampant due to health issues triggered by stress.    

Lack of Energy and Interest

Stress can make one lose their motivation and productivity. You’ll also notice a significant decline in energy which can result in lower morale and engagement.    

The different types of stress

Acute Stress  

According to a study, acute stress is the most common type of stress. It is the body’s response to a recently anticipated challenge or an unexpected event. Some symptoms can include emotional distress, muscle tension, headache, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.  

Episodic Acute Stress  

Episodic stress is a short-term type of stress that occurs frequently. This is when an individual constantly feels pressured that things don’t seem to be going their way.  

Chronic Stress   

Up to 43% of adults experience this type of stress where there is a constant feeling of being pressured and overwhelmed for long periods. This can lead to serious heart problems when not addressed.  

How can we help our people manage stress in the workplace?   

Encourage screen breaks  

Having too much screen time can take a toll on one’s mental health. Encourage your employees to take some time off and disconnect from the online world. Have them practice the 20-20-20 rule, which says that for every 20 minutes of screen time, take 20-second breaks where you look at an object 20 feet away.  

Foster work-life balance  

There is life outside of work. Studies have shown that work-life balance support can drastically improve productivity. That said, allow your employees time for what they love without making them feel guilty! Give them a pat on the back by letting them take wellness breathers after a big project or mental health breaks.  

Promote physical wellness  

Motivate your people to get moving. Be it through simple desk exercises or a dedicated time and place for group exercises, physical activity has been shown to enhance cognitive processing and improve job satisfaction. The happy hormones activated during workouts—no matter how simple—help alleviate stress too.  

Encourage rests with rewards

Help your employees de-stress by giving them rewards that enable joyful experiences such as dining with loved ones, retail therapy, staycations, movies, and more.

With Pluxee Gifts, your employees can choose the way they wish to relax and unwind at over 12,000 merchants nationwide!

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