How to Train Your Employees in Stress Management

Here’s a no-brainer: High stress levels are bad for morale. If your team members are constantly anxious and frazzled, they’re not going to be as energetic or productive in their work. They’re not going to be as motivated or creative. And your retention levels won’t be what you want them to be.

But the consequences of a stressful workplace are deeper and more insidious still. High stress ravages employee health—meaning more off-days taken, more call-outs, more medical issues, potentially higher insurance premiums.

It is no exaggeration to say that workplace stress costs businesses—and big time! Of course, stress rears its head from time to time, and there’s nothing you can do to change that. What you can do is empower your employees to handle stress more prudently and productively.

Stress management training may be one of the best investments you ever make in your team. Certainly, your employees will appreciate it, and feel more valued because of it. And in the long run—through increased productivity and retention, lowered sick days and absenteeism—it can more than pay for itself.

As you consider an investment in employee stress management training, there are additional ways in which you can encourage your team members to manage their stress better. Some of these include:

• Always lead by example. When the boss is constantly stressed and frazzled, that seeps into the rest of the workplace. Make sure you find some outlets for your own stress, and take some time off as needed.
• Make sure employees know about their benefits. Encourage overworked or overanxious team members to plan a vacation and use some of their PTO, or to call a counselor or therapist if your company’s benefits include it.
• Train managers to be alert to the signs of stress. When they notice employees who are buckling, managers should offer some assistance—better resources or simply a chance to talk things out.
• Communicate with your employees. Make a special effort to touch base with employees going through big life changes—a move, a marriage, kids, divorce, etc.

None of these things replace effective stress management training, exactly—but they can certainly point your team in the right direction. Use them as a start toward building a more productive, healthy, and clear-minded workforce!