Helping Workers Feel Less Stressed: 5 Simple Steps Workplaces Can Take

Did you know that every day, a million people don't show up to work because they're too stressed? That's like having every person in a large city calling in sick! Plus, the average worker loses about 5 hours each week dealing with stress. That's a lot of time that could be spent doing other things that are infinitely more enriching.

These days, stress feels like it's everywhere. It's like having too many tabs open in your brain - everything is running at once, and you can't find the close button. When people are stressed, they often feel:

- Like their mind won't stop racing

- That they're not doing enough

- Trouble sleeping

- Like they're stuck in "go mode" all the time

The good news? Workplaces can help their employees feel better with some simple changes. Here are five ways how:

1. Make Break Time Cool Again

Have you ever eaten lunch while still working at your computer? Lots of people do! But taking real breaks helps your brain recharge - kind of like plugging in your phone when the battery is low. Even a quick walk around the office or some simple stretches can make a big difference. Anything that gets the blood flowing from your ankles to your brain is a good thing.

2. Talk About Having Energy (Not Just Time)

Having energy is super important! Think about it: when you're tired, everything feels harder....Good energy comes from:

- Getting enough sleep

- Moving your body

- Drinking plenty of water

- Eating healthy foods

- Having fun with friends

- Quieting the inner task master

- Working in a place where you feel safe to be yourself

Make energy a topic of conversation and plant the seeds of ways people can help themselves.

3. Help Bosses Become Better Listeners

Did you know that your relationship with your boss can affect how much you like your job? Good bosses ask questions like:

- "How are you feeling today?" or "How's your energy?"

- "What's one thing that would make your work easier?"

- "How can I help make your job better?"

- "What is a success you have had this week?"

And here's the important part - then actually listen to the answers! You don't need to fix all their problems. When you learn to listen, you can find our people are pretty good problem solvers. Listening gives them the space to work out what they can do. All you need is the right questions!

4. Make Wellness Fun

Exercise is like a super-power against stress! It is the single best thing to reduce stress and build better health and resilience. It doesn't have to be boring - it could be:

- Having dance breaks - moving the whole body even for a minute unleashes all kinds of energy!

- Walking meetings

- Step-counting contests with coworkers

- Yoga sessions

- Moving in ways that make you happy

Anything that gets the blood moving from the ankles to the brain works.

5. Take Breaks from Technology

Our phones and computers are amazing, but they can make us feel like we need to be "on" all the time. You may not realize but it's okay to unplug! Companies can help by:

- Not expecting people to answer work messages at night

- Encouraging screen-free break times

- Letting people actually relax on their days off

Remember: Stress won't disappear like magic, but small changes can make a big difference over time. It's like building with LEGO blocks - one piece at a time. Overtime, you see things take shape and shine.

When workplaces help their employees feel less stressed, everyone wins. People are happier, healthier, and do better work. Ultimately when workers experience less stress they feel better balance and nothing feels as hard.

Workplaces play a HUGE role in the health of their employees through managing stress and creating a culture where people want to come to work. Every workplace can do something, so start small, be consistent and see the magic happen.

If you need help supporting your workplace and leaders to better manage stress that is my happy space! Let’s have a conversation. DM me with the word RESILIENCE and I will send you my best first step.

Vivien Hudson is a former pharmacist turned leadership and wellbeing advocate. She relishes in helping leaders discover how to reduce stress without changing their job, partner or life. She runs corporate wellness programs, leadership training and coaching and is always up for a virtual coffee to chew the fat (so to speak) on all things wellbeing.