This year’s theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work is work related stress
Work related stress is something that too many of us are living with on a daily basis and it can massive repercussions on your health and well being.
Being stressed at work can impact all aspects of your life, particularly relationships with those closest to us.
If you or your co-workers are experiencing work related stress, there are a few things that can be done in the workplace to help reduce the effects.
– Encourage workers to take regular breaks
Regular breaks for rest, movement, changing focus or having a drink or snack can allow workers to come back to their task with renewed vigour. If you have ever found yourself struggling to complete a task while hungry, fatigued or uncomfortable you have most likely experienced anxiety, frustration, and stress, which can lead to poor decision making and injuries. A short break, whether it is putting down the tools and going for a walk, taking a nap, grabbing a coffee or doing some star jumps, can be enough to recharge your mind & body and allow you to complete the the task in better humour. Taking a break may also mean taking additional days off from time to time. Make sure you use your holiday leave, and actually have a break from work – the work will still be there when you return.
– Ensure workers are adequately trained
Inadequate training is stressful not only for the person trying to work without all the knowledge they require, but also for those around them. The person who is not trained may constantly be asking questions about their role as they try to learn it, which impacts on other workers ability to complete their own tasks. The untrained person may also be a hazard to themselves and other workers as they are not fully aware of the dangers of the position the find themselves in. By properly inducting workers by providing adequate training and supervision it gives them the confidence to perform their role safely and allows the other workers to get on with their own work.
– Encourage effective and respectful communication amongst workers
If workers feel that they are treated with respect, know what is expected of them, are being heard when they have a concern and have open communication with supervisors and co workers then much of the workplace stress is alleviated. If you are experiencing communication breakdowns at work consider inviting a mediator or communications trainer in to help you work through the issues.
– Encourage workers to ask for help if required
Asking for help should be encouraged. Workers should not suffer in silence when they are experiencing difficulties, whether is is personal or professional, everyone needs help from time to time. This is particularly relevant to those in high stress environments or after an incident of any kind. Additional training, personal or professional development, debriefing, counselling and mediation should be available for all workers if required. If you don’t have these resources available at your workplace investigate what is available to you through your industry bodies, local council, community services or healthcare provider.
– Encourage workers to have fun at work
If your workers are having fun, then they are less likely to be affected by stress and will be more productive as they enjoy being at work. The definition of fun depends on the workers and the activities needs to be appropriate to the workplace. Some things I have come across include lunch time soccer matches, hiring a massage therapist or yoga instructor to come into the office, playing music, dress up days, birthday cakes, weekly drinks at the local pub, boxing sessions, rock climbing, allowing dogs on site. Basically anything that helps workers unwind a bit, encourages laughter and builds camaraderie is a good thing.
I would love to hear about what your workplace is doing to reduce stress – leave a comment below or email me at lindsay@excitesafety.com.au
