How to Stress Better at Work (…Yes, There is a Balance)

Stress has become a prevalent issue in today’s workplaces, affecting a large portion of adults. According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation, 74 percent of adults experiencing chronic stress reported feeling overwhelmed, impacting both their daily lives and careers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem, with a 25 percent increase in anxiety and depression worldwide.

This workplace stress results in approximately 17 million days of absenteeism, with each person needing an average of 16.5 days off work. However, there is a concept called “eustress” or “good stress” that, when harnessed correctly, can boost motivation, productivity, and overall workplace happiness.

Understanding the Power of Eustress

Negative workplace stress is costly for businesses, but moderate levels of stress can lead to short bursts of productive energy – this is eustress. Recognizing how eustress manifests can lower procrastination and boost well-being, ultimately leading to career satisfaction. Achieving a healthy work environment requires organizations to support and encourage eustress.

Harnessing Eustress in the Workplace

Eustress is characterized by short bursts of productivity, and our brains respond better to tasks when we know a break is on the horizon. To harness eustress, consider managing your day in 25-minute intervals, rewarding yourself with short breaks in between. During these breaks, physical activity and a change of scenery can help transition from a state of eustress to a sense of accomplishment, making it easier to tackle the next task.

Understanding the Harm of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline in our bodies, which are meant for temporary “fight or flight” responses. Prolonged exposure to cortisol can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health. In a workplace context, chronic stress can lead to decreased productivity, brain fog, irritability, oversensitivity, and difficulty concentrating. It can also manifest as high blood pressure, inflammation, and physical and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Training for Stress Triggers

Managers and executives have a responsibility to identify these stress signals among their colleagues and provide support. Educating employees about available mental health resources is crucial. Emotional literacy training can enhance employee resilience and improve managers’ ability to support their teams, fostering a common language for discussing distress.

Tailored Employee Benefits

Responsible employers should offer customized solutions based on employee feedback to combat burnout. When signs of burnout are recognized, employers can direct employees to emotional well-being support such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or cognitive behavioral therapy sessions (CBT). These offerings promote open conversations about stress and mental health, encouraging early intervention and support for staff.

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