Stress in the workplace is a concern that affects not just employees but also the overall health of the business. As an HR company serving Devon, Bristol, and Swindon, we understand the vital role that well-being plays in productivity and employee satisfaction. In this blog, we’ll discuss five effective strategies to reduce stress-related absence in your company.
- Encourage Open Communication
One of the primary ways to reduce stress-related absences is by fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns. An open-door policy or regular team meetings can provide the platform for staff to discuss workload issues, conflicts, or any stressors affecting their performance and well-being. - Get to Know Your People
Understanding your employees will help you spot early warning signs of stress. Managers should make an effort to connect with their team members on a personal level. This will build trust and make it easier for employees to speak openly about any challenges they’re facing. - Ensure a Balanced, Manageable Workload
Overwork is a significant cause of stress and subsequent absence. Make sure that tasks are allocated fairly and that no one is burdened with an unreasonable amount of work. This may require reevaluating deadlines, redistributing tasks, or even hiring additional staff. - Encourage Regular Breaks and Annual Leave
A well-rested employee is generally a less stressed employee. Encourage staff to take short breaks during the day to relax and recharge. Also, make sure they are using their annual leave entitlement to take time off and disconnect from work. - Train Your Managers in Stress Awareness
Equip your managers with the knowledge and tools to identify stress in their team members. Training programs on stress awareness can provide managers with the skills needed to address stress-related issues proactively.
Reducing stress-related absence is not just about reactive measures but also about creating a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being. These five strategies can go a long way in ensuring that your staff is happy, productive, and most importantly, stress-free.
For more insights into managing workplace issues, we have a disciplinary guide available for download to help you navigate through challenging situations.
Alison is an HR expert and specialises in helping those of you in the SME sector with all of your HR needs.
Alison understands your industry and the challenges you come up against every day. She also understands how the workplace is evolving, and the ways that businesses need to adapt to protect both their best interests and those of their employees.
Need Advice?
If you need a hand with any of this, or anything else when it comes to the people and practices in your business, we’d love to help. We are always happy to debate the pros/cons, dos/don’ts with you so please do talk to us if we can help in any way, we are here to support you. Just give us a call and arrange a free consultation. You can talk to Alison directly on 07967 221595 or email info@enlightenhr.com
