Navigating Workplace Stress

Impact of Job-Related Stress
and Mitigation Strategies

April is National Stress Awareness Month—a good time to pause and think about how stress shows up at work and what we can do about it.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on how workplace stress affects both individuals and businesses and why it’s worth paying attention to.

The Prevalence of Workplace Stress 

Workplace stress is a significant concern in the United States. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress, with 54% indicating that it affects their home life. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association reports that people suffering from workplace stress often experience lower productivity and engagement.​

Generational Differences in Work Health 

Recent findings from Mental Health America’s 2024 Mind the Workplace Report highlight that younger generations are particularly affected. Specifically, 71% of Generation Z employees and 59% of Millennials report low work health scores, compared to 52% of Generation X and 42% of Baby Boomers.

Impact on Productivity

Stress doesn’t just affect individual well-being; it has tangible effects on organizational performance. A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicates that increased stress levels correlate with decreased employee productivity. Additionally, workplace stress can lead to increased absenteeism and turnover, further impacting a company’s bottom line.​

Effective Interventions

Experiencing some work-related strain is unavoidable — even if you love your job. Here are some actionable steps you can take to manage it.​

Relax and Recharge

Take a few minutes of personal time during your busy workday to relax. Listen to an interesting podcast or watch a funny YouTube video between meetings. It may seem paradoxical, but relaxing this way will make you more productive.

Include gentle stretches in your workday routine. Neck rolls, ragdoll stretches, and seated backbends are immediately calming and can be performed while sitting at your desk. Employ deep breathing exercises to quickly improve both your energy and mood.​

Hone Your Time Management Skills

The more organized you are, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel. Begin your work week by prioritizing tasks according to importance and urgency.

Avoid procrastination by allocating specific blocks of time for work that requires deep concentration. Tackle tiresome or less appealing tasks head-on so the rest of your day will feel less stressful.​

Balance Work With Life

You’ll quickly burn out if you make yourself available around the clock. You must create clear boundaries between work and home life to avoid job-related stress.

Set aside time for fun and socializing, and avoid the temptation to check work-related emails or texts during your downtime. If possible, disconnect from your phone entirely.

Take care of yourself. This means prioritizing sleep, eating a balanced diet throughout the day, and exercising regularly.

Rely on Support

A reliable support network can alleviate built-up tension during tough times. Keep in touch with trusted friends and family who can help you cope with stressful work situations.

Are your staff members feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of debt collection? The professionals at BARR Credit Services are ready to become a valuable part of your support network. When you partner with us, we’ll carry the debt collection burden for you, recovering what you’re owed without jeopardizing valuable client relationships.

So, relax! We’ve got your back.

Sources:
Featured Image: Adobe, License Granted
OSHA
Forbes
Mental Health America
NCBI
Calmer