When it comes to our workplaces, stress is said to be one of the biggest problems employees admit to suffering from. Often the main causes of stress are due to workload, lack of job security or personal problems. Mental health in the workplace also has an impact on the quality of work delivered, the number of sick days employees take and the general working atmosphere.
Corporate health is not just a buzzword; its implementation is integral and necessary for mental health in the workplace. As such, it’s important to ensure your colleagues or team are working in a stress-free environment and have access to resources that can help alleviate stress.
Healthy habits.
Encouraging your team or colleagues to exercise and eat healthily are two of the best stressbusters around. Some ways employers or line managers can implement these healthy habits include:
- Encouraging staff to take brisk walks during lunch breaks;
- Hiring a yoga instructor to come into the workplace and give staff free yoga sessions once a month;
- Offer employees subsidised gym memberships;
- Give out free fresh fruit and other healthy snacks to employees;
- Offer participation in frequent corporate mental health workshops.
Helping a colleague who is suffering from stress.
If you do spot the signs of stress in your colleagues, it’s important that you don’t ignore them.
Here are five simple ways to help them through it.
1. Help them to spot the signs. It’s always easier to spot signs of stress in other people than it is for them to see it themselves. If you’ve noticed changes in someone’s behaviour that suggests they’re feeling stressed, don’t let them bury their head in the sand over it. Try to reach out to them.
2. Listen. Often just knowing that somebody is there to listen can make a huge difference. You don’t always need to offer advice to your friend or loved one, just take the time to listen to them and remind them that you care.
3. Offer reassurance. Try to remind your friend or loved one that this feeling won’t last forever. Reassure them that there are people they can talk to, and you are there for them no matter what.
4. Offer practical support. If there’s a specific issue that’s causing someone to feel stressed such as money worries, job loss or relationship problems, you may be able to help them find practical solutions that make the situation easier.
- Suggest they practice a relaxation technique.Suggest that your colleague takes time to relax each day and try to take a step outside of their thinking mind. Meditating, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques are excellent ways to relieve stress and restore some balance to all our lives.
Author: Lucie Ironman, Psychological Wellbeing Facilitator, Vita Health Group.