
It’s no secret that many people dread reporting to their jobs. In addition to be far removed from the comforts of home, most workplaces are high-stress environments whose inhabitants are consistently on-edge and unmotivated. As such, there’s little wonder as to why so many members of the workforce spend their days counting the hours until quitting time. More often than not, this type of work environment is created unintentionally rather than by design. Fortunately, any business looking to dispel such an atmosphere can benefit from taking the following measures.
Flexible Scheduling
Between full-time jobs, familial responsibilities and everyday chores, people are busier than ever. As such, working a standard “8:00 to 5:00” job can present a number of problems, including sleep deprivation and lack of family time. Needless to say, an office full of tired, overexerted employees is a surefire recipe for a stressful work environment. Businesses who want to nip this problem in the bud should consider offering flexible scheduling. As long as deadlines are met and employees are physically present for important meetings and presentations, most of your workers should be allowed to take control of their own schedules. Not only will this result in enhanced employee satisfaction, it can also lead to increased productivity and worker retention. If employees are given greater control of their individual schedules, reporting to work will seem like a less of an obligation, with the workplace itself feeling like less of a prison.
Positive Reinforcement
Lack recognition from higher-ups is among the foremost causes of stress in modern-day workers. Even if someone is paid a comfortable wage and receives decent benefits, the absence of positive reinforcement can lead to feelings of resentment and subpar job performance. With this in mind, employers are encouraged to regularly show appreciation to their workers and reward those who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty. Additionally, appreciation can come in many different forms, including gifts for employees, work-sponsored family events and time off.
Onsite Nourishment
Due to their busy schedules, many members of the workforce are unable to eat properly during the day. Unsurprisingly, this lack of nourishment is conducive to sour attitudes, poor productivity and stress. To ensure that your team members are able to maintain solid energy levels throughout the day, provide them with onsite snacks and beverages. Fresh produce, granola bars and other health-conscious food options can help your workers feel energized and keep their spirits up throughout the workweek. Furthermore, for workers who need a morning or midday pick-me-up, provide an assortment of coffees and teas – especially if your business begins the day bright and early.
It isn’t hard to see why so many people treat their jobs like cumbersome chores. Working in a stress-riddled, high-stakes environment can take a tremendous toll on even the most resilient member of the workforce. However, there’s no rule stating that workplaces have to embody this type of atmosphere. For many of us, working is a stressful experience, and a workplace that’s constantly on-edge will only enhance job-related stress – which is bad for both individual employees and their employers.