Why Workplace Stress Is Harming Your Productivity & Your Staff

 

The Effects of Stress on Individuals

Individuals can suffer greatly as a result of stress. The extent to which stress affects a person is determined by a number of factors. This includes their levels of personal resilience, the coping mechanisms they can employ, the severity of the stress, and the duration of the stress.

When we are challenged - taken out of our comfort zone - our bodies go into a survival mode known as the stress response, also known as "fight or flight." This is a natural and ancient human trait; a survival mechanism that enables individuals to respond quickly to danger and return to a position or feeling of safety. Even today, the stress response is used to cope appropriately with negative situations. Short-term stress causes increased awareness and thinking, an increase in heart rate, increased muscle tension, strength, and aggression, and a brief decrease in digestive and immune activity. This is simply the body preparing to take immediate and decisive action to counteract the perceived threat.

However, if the stress persists for an extended period of time - if this heightened state continues unabated - these symptoms can become harmful. Insomnia, anger, decreased appetite, binge eating, withdrawal, obsessive thinking, anxiety, depression, and even chronic health conditions such as type II diabetes and asthma are all side effects of prolonged or excessive stress.

How Does Stress Affect the Workplace?

Even a single person suffering from prolonged or excessive stress can contribute to the development of an underlying tension in the workplace. It has the potential to quickly set off a chain reaction that could have far-reaching consequences for the entire company. Employees may lose motivation at work, and they will most likely not want to stay late. They will do the work they once looked forward to half-heartedly.

What Should Be Done?

There will always be some degree of change in the workplace. There is nothing you can do about it. Restructures, changing deadlines, employee turnover, and difficult customers are all likely. What you can do is create and implement policies that will equip your employees with the knowledge and skills they need to self-manage the physical and psychological effects of change.

Stress management training is an excellent resource for your employees. This simple training will provide them with the coping skills they need to deal with any challenge that comes their way.

In terms of policies, make sure you have a "zero-tolerance" policy for workplace bullying, which is one of the primary causes of stress. Examine your overall strategy and make the necessary changes to make your company an even better place to work.