Have you observed stress in the workplace or perhaps even experienced stressful situations while at work? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.
The 2024 Workforce Mental Health Trends Report indicates that workplace stress and anxiety continues to remain high with more than 33% of benefit leaders reporting that stress was experienced in their organizations. (This number is up from 2023 when it was reported at 20%). They also reported that depression was a critical issue impacting roughly 36% of their workforce.
The most common factors were identified as:
When any of these factors play a role in the workplace, absenteeism increases and the same holds true for mistakes and errors – all resulting in a decrease in productivity and job satisfaction levels, along with attrition and higher health care costs.
As leaders we want strong and healthy relationships to exist among us, and our colleagues. When these relationships exist, we are better positioned to have a true sense of the “health” within our work culture.
Unclear goals and unrealistic timeframes for deliverables lend themselves to mental fatigue and conflict among colleagues and clients; all that as leaders we need to be aware of. We need to have open lines of communication and encourage team members to share with us when they are experiencing stress or are having negative feelings.
It’s helpful to have consistent “check ins” with the team as a whole and also with each team member to discuss their workload and deliverable schedules. It’s also a plus to discuss work and homelife balance.
The best way to reduce workplace stress? Take the time to build effective and authentic business relationships and make these check-ins meaningful!
Sincerely,The 2024 Workforce Mental Health Trends Report indicates that workplace stress and anxiety continues to remain high with more than 33% of benefit leaders reporting that stress was experienced in their organizations. (This number is up from 2023 when it was reported at 20%). They also reported that depression was a critical issue impacting roughly 36% of their workforce.
The most common factors were identified as:
- Work overload
- Low job control
- Workplace violence
- Bullying/harassment
- Loneliness and isolation
- Exposure to trauma
- Managerial stress and poor leadership support
When any of these factors play a role in the workplace, absenteeism increases and the same holds true for mistakes and errors – all resulting in a decrease in productivity and job satisfaction levels, along with attrition and higher health care costs.
As leaders we want strong and healthy relationships to exist among us, and our colleagues. When these relationships exist, we are better positioned to have a true sense of the “health” within our work culture.
Unclear goals and unrealistic timeframes for deliverables lend themselves to mental fatigue and conflict among colleagues and clients; all that as leaders we need to be aware of. We need to have open lines of communication and encourage team members to share with us when they are experiencing stress or are having negative feelings.
It’s helpful to have consistent “check ins” with the team as a whole and also with each team member to discuss their workload and deliverable schedules. It’s also a plus to discuss work and homelife balance.
The best way to reduce workplace stress? Take the time to build effective and authentic business relationships and make these check-ins meaningful!
Mike and Jan