How can organizational policies prevent workplace stress?

Workplace stress can affect your productivity, health, and well-being. It can also lead to burnout, absenteeism, and low morale. While some stress is inevitable, organizational policies can play a key role in preventing and managing it. Here are some ways that organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment that reduces stress for their employees.

1 Flexible work arrangements

One of the main sources of stress for workers is the lack of control over their time, tasks, and resources. Flexible work arrangements can give employees more autonomy and choice over when, where, and how they work. This can help them balance their personal and professional responsibilities, reduce commuting stress, and adapt to changing circumstances. Flexible work arrangements can include options such as telecommuting, compressed workweeks, part-time work, job sharing, and flextime.

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William McPeck

Employee Wellbeingpreneur focusing on wellbeing strategy and systems integration
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Quite simply, organizational policies when designed to eliminate or mitigate organizational level stressors, when followed, will eliminate or mitigate those stressors.

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2 Clear communication

Another factor that contributes to workplace stress is poor communication. When employees are unclear about their roles, expectations, goals, and feedback, they can feel confused, frustrated, and anxious. Clear communication can help employees understand their purpose, priorities, and performance. It can also foster trust, collaboration, and recognition. Clear communication can involve strategies such as regular meetings, updates, surveys, newsletters, and feedback sessions.

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Jacquelin Morgan

I solve complex problems with creative solutions | Strategic Sales Advisor | Yarn Collector | 2 x Presidents Club Winner
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Your employees are your internal customers. Treat them with the same respect you treat customers. 1) Set expectations accurately and follow through: when are reviews? raises? Have role expectations changed? Have promotion requirements changed? 2) Break bad news early and fast. What is worse than there are no promotions this year? Being told that you will get a promotion in the next cycle and that cycle never happening. Yes, some people will leave, but the alternative is employees who don't trust you, don't care, and don't give 100% everyday.

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3 Employee involvement

A third way that organizational policies can prevent workplace stress is by involving employees in decision-making and problem-solving. When employees have a voice and a say in their work, they can feel more valued, empowered, and engaged. They can also contribute their ideas, opinions, and suggestions to improve their work processes, quality, and outcomes. Employee involvement can be facilitated by methods such as brainstorming, focus groups, committees, and suggestion boxes.

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4 Wellness programs

A fourth way that organizational policies can prevent workplace stress is by offering wellness programs that promote physical and mental health. Wellness programs can help employees cope with stress, prevent illness, and enhance their well-being. They can also demonstrate the organization's commitment to caring for its employees and creating a healthy work culture. Wellness programs can include benefits such as health insurance, fitness facilities, counseling services, and health education.

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Lisa Elsinger, PhD

Health Promotion Leader & Strategist; Associate Director, Workplace Wellness, Broward College
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Wellness programs can have a positive impact only if the organization has a culture that promotes health and well-being as the norm, empowering people to participate in educational interventions and activities designed to promote healthy lifestyle habits. Workplace stress, rather than being alleviated by wellness programs, is mitigated by the way people are treated, manageable workloads, and attention to work-life harmony. Health insurance is not a wellness program, but services through the insurer can contribute to a feeling of well-being when utilization is encouraged by leadership. The confluence between workplace stress and personal life stressors must be considered when supporting overall mental health.

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Carola Becker

Head of Wellbeing
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People spend a lot of time at work, so the workplace is a great place to promote wellbeing. Creating a culture of resilience and support employees on their personal journey is beneficial for the business, too: better reputation and staff retention, fewer sick days and more engaged teams. But wellness is never done - a programme has to be aligned with business goals and employee needs, it needs to be strategic and well planned. Start with staff surveys, get management on board and include internal comms to drive uptake. Then create a programme that supports the business and the team for lasting success.

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5 Conflict resolution

A fifth way that organizational policies can prevent workplace stress is by providing conflict resolution mechanisms that help employees deal with interpersonal issues and disputes. Conflict can arise from different personalities, values, opinions, or interests. It can cause stress, tension, and hostility in the workplace. Conflict resolution can help employees resolve their differences in a constructive and respectful way. It can also prevent escalation, litigation, and violence. Conflict resolution can involve techniques such as mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and facilitation.

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6 Recognition and rewards

A sixth way that organizational policies can prevent workplace stress is by recognizing and rewarding employees for their achievements, contributions, and efforts. Recognition and rewards can motivate employees, boost their self-esteem, and reinforce their positive behaviors. They can also show appreciation, respect, and gratitude for their work. Recognition and rewards can take various forms such as praise, feedback, bonuses, incentives, awards, and career opportunities.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can organizational policies prevent workplace stress?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Flexible work arrangements

2 Clear communication

3 Employee involvement

4 Wellness programs

5 Conflict resolution

6 Recognition and rewards

7 Here’s what else to consider

Stress Management

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How can organizational policies prevent workplace stress?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Flexible work arrangements

2 Clear communication

3 Employee involvement

4 Wellness programs

5 Conflict resolution

6 Recognition and rewards

7 Here’s what else to consider

Stress Management

Rate this article

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