Is Your Company's Stress Management Program Stressful in Itself?

Stress is costing each industry big time. Billions of dollars are spent annually on illnesses, diminished productivity, absenteeism, burnout, etc. There is no surprise to the fact that a lot of companies have been fighting the epidemic of stress aggressively with an armory of anti-stress initiatives.

However, the nagging question remains unanswered.  If all the stress management programs are so efficient, why a lot of workers are still stressed out?

The answer possibly lies in the fact that several organizations are simply trying too hard. In an attempt to reduce stress, they are in reality adding to it. Their success programs may be well-intended but they are quite complex and time-consuming, they’re heavy on theory and requires a lot of reading and recalling.  As a result, these programs don’t connect with employees on their level.

Despite the widespread implementation of stress management programs in various organizations, it's true that many workers still experience stress. Several reasons contribute to this discrepancy between the intent of stress management programs and their effectiveness in reducing employee stress levels.

1. Lack of Tailored Solutions: Many stress management programs take a one-size-fits-all approach, offering generic techniques that may not address the specific stressors faced by individual employees. People experience stress differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. To be more effective, stress management programs should be tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the workforce.
2. Inadequate Resources: Some companies may not allocate sufficient resources to their stress management programs. It's not enough to introduce occasional workshops or seminars; ongoing support and resources are necessary for employees to integrate stress-reduction techniques into their daily lives. Without adequate resources, stress management efforts may feel superficial or short-lived.
3. Organizational Culture: The culture within an organization plays a crucial role in determining employees' stress levels. If the work environment is characterized by high pressure, long hours, unrealistic expectations, or lack of work-life balance, stress management programs may struggle to counterbalance these negative factors. A culture that prioritizes well-being and work-life balance is essential for the success of stress management initiatives.
4. Stigma and Perception: In some workplaces, there may still be a stigma associated with seeking help for stress or mental health issues. Employees might fear that acknowledging their stress could be perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence. As a result, they may be reluctant to participate in stress management programs or seek support when needed.
5. Poor Program Communication and Engagement: Even if a company has a comprehensive stress management program, it won't be effective if employees are unaware of its existence or lack motivation to engage with it. Proper communication, encouragement from leadership, and incentives for participation can increase employees' interest and involvement in stress management initiatives.
6. Disconnect from Workplace Realities: Some stress management programs may not align well with the actual work demands and challenges employees face daily. If the strategies provided do not fit into their workflow or daily routines, employees might struggle to implement them effectively.
7. Underlying Organizational Issues: Stress in the workplace can be a symptom of more profound organizational issues, such as poor leadership, lack of autonomy, or unclear expectations. Stress management programs alone cannot resolve these underlying problems, and addressing them may be necessary for long-term stress reduction.
8. Personal Barriers: Finally, individual factors also come into play. Some employees may resist change or be hesitant to adopt stress-reduction practices due to personal beliefs, habits, or external stressors unrelated to work.

Remember, individuals who are stressed lack the most patience and time. They do not have a single minute to be a part of the lengthy stress seminars. They hold very little patience to sift through wordy guides and procedures to uncover those rare nuggets of advice that are relevant to their situation. Some stress program merely addresses the symptoms of stress instead of eliminating the causes. They have very little lasting effect. Workers soon become cynical and frustrated, believing that nothing will work out, and start over with their costly, stressful ways.

Also Check: Exploring the Power of EAP Helplines for Corporates

Human resources and management professionals can overcome these obstacles and effectively manage stress and “reach” their employees with certain solutions that not only connect with the employees but also stick with them.  A nice way to begin is to present employees with simple, candid, and targeted strategies that they can quickly incorporate into their lives, specifically techniques that gather their attention and provide results. Make sure that these strategies are less intrusive, take little in their implementation, and get the user started on the correct track, with the right attitude.

Follow the below-mentioned strategies to significantly reduce workplace stress.

1. Execute one thing at a time.

Do it well. Do it mindfully. Enjoy the satisfaction. Then move to the next thing. Multitasking is great sometimes but not all the time. Make sure you’re focused on one task at a time.

Accomplishing several things at once consumes more time overall as compared to doing them sequentially. Also, it consumes an excessive amount of mental energy, so you fatigue more quickly. Lack of focus also results in unreliable performance, careless mistakes, and shoddy work. Worst of all, when you have to redo things. This is not the correct way to do things. Give undivided attention to whatever you’re doing. Take time to get it perfect. In this way, you’ll not only be more productive but less stressed, in the long run.

2. Be a team player.

It’s less stressful and more productive to work as a team. When you distribute the responsibility and work among your colleagues the pressure eases, and everyone becomes more cooperative with a sense of responsibility. By contributing work we can easily balance out our collective strengths and weaknesses. Let go of the urge to put it all on yourself or take all the credit. Society is all about team effort and success most satisfying when everyone’s involved.

3. Forget about deadlines. How about startlines?

For everybody so obsessed with the completion of the project, we’re all too casual about the time to get it started. And this is the most critical aspect of all. It clearly explains why so many deadlines weren’t met. Rather than stressing over something due, focus on getting it underway. Set a “start-time.”  A start time can be described as a time before which you need to get the project started so that it’s not performed in a slapdash and rushed manner. Stick to your start time, as it not only assures unhurried and efficient performance but eliminates workplace stress and anxiety that goes with it.

4. Stand up and stretch.

Especially when you have a sedentary lifestyle at work. Your day at work shouldn’t be like a nine-hour plane journey. From time to time get up from your chair, stand, and stretch your legs and arms. Take a walk, climb stairs, roll your head, and bend from side to side as it will enhance blood flow, loosen cramped joints and muscles, and relieve you from workplace stress. Give yourself a quick tune-up at least once in two to three hours.

5. Maintain your presence of mind.

It’s very easy to get flustered, panic, and lose your tranquility when you’re pressured and rushed. Your mistake level rises, carelessness abounds and civility usually goes out the window. This makes things worst. Therefore, practice maintaining your presence of mind in pressure situations. Take deep breaths as well as approach the crisis with control and calmness. You’ll realize that you can handle things more efficiently and efficiently when you strive to keep yourself cool.