This article highlights an issue that affects employees in companies, with consequences at both the individual level and on profits. The data presented below aim to encourage all of us to take action to reduce personal stress by identifying our own stressors and finding practical solutions and self-management tools to lower stress levels. Today, the word "stress" has become part of our everyday vocabulary. Although we can all relate to those who complain about stress, as it is something we experience daily, and many of us are concerned about its presence in our lives, most of us do not have the skills to recognize or mitigate the negative effects of stress.
The UK Stress Management Society defines stress as a situation where the demands on a person exceed their resources or ability to manage the situation.
How can you tell if stress in your organization has exceeded the optimal level?
It is not always easy to detect the signs of stress. However, from a company perspective, the signs to watch out for include:
- High absenteeism or an increase in sick leave days
- Low employee motivation
- Numerous customer complaints
- An organizational culture that involves working overtime
- Employees not taking their full vacation
- A "tense" work environment
- Low productivity and efficiency
- Decreased profit
- High turnover rate
Results of a study
Workplace stress is a significant issue in the labor market, leading to reduced company profits, decreased employee efficiency, and increased employee turnover.
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted a study revealing several key facts. Among them, the following are noteworthy:
- Stress affects one in five employees at all levels
- It is the leading cause of illness in the UK
- More than 105 million workdays are lost annually in the UK, with associated costs exceeding £1.24 billion
- 11% of workplace absences are due to stress
- 52% of respondents say stress levels are increasing
- 60% of respondents say stress harms employee retention
- 83% say stress reduces productivity
The study is based on responses from nearly 700 human resources managers and over 2,000 employees.
Workplace pressure is not necessarily bad. In fact, many employees thrive under pressure. However, when the pressure exceeds a person’s ability to cope with the tasks at hand, problems begin to arise. Therefore, we can manage the issue of stress either by reducing the pressure on individuals, increasing the resources available to them, or through a combination of both approaches.
Common stressors in daily life
Problems are part of our life. If you don’t have problems or face difficult situations, it means you’re not living… However, there are times when financial difficulties, disputes, or challenges become overwhelming, leading to a sharp increase in stress levels. A few of the stress factors we encounter daily include:
- We don’t have enough time: When you’re rushing all day to meet deadlines or handle various tasks (including playing taxi driver with the kids), by the end of the day, you might feel exhausted. You need to prioritize the things you must do first.
- We practice unhealthy habits: Eating fast food, smoking, drinking alcohol excessively – all of these can contribute to physical stress. The reason is that they prevent you from managing difficulties.
- We take on more than we can handle: Wanting to impress others is normal, especially in the corporate world. But "biting off more than you can chew" leads to failure. So, be honest with yourself and only take on tasks you are sure you can perform well.
- We have unrealistic expectations: Having unrealistic expectations is a sure way to experience disappointment. So, when things don’t go as you want, you get upset and stressed.
- We deprive ourselves of relaxation: Overworking can stem from not being able to take a break from a busy daily agenda. If this continues for an extended period, it can affect your health.
In summary, in order to be more productive and increase the profits of our companies, we need to apply practical tools related to setting priorities, time management, problem-solving, implementing changes, conflict management, and mindfulness – to name just a few areas that contribute to high stress levels.
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