So What About Stress?

So What About Stress?

For business owners and leaders who want to create a more productive work environment

by Stacey Shipman

Just the (Stress) Facts

Warning: What you are about to read may stress you out. For relief, see tips on slide 8.

51% of employees say they are less productive at work due to stress (APA 2009)

60 - 90% of doctor visits are mind/body stress related (Herbert Benson, Mind/Body Institute)

Presenteeism (When employees are physically present yet mentally or emotionally distracted by non-work issues) costs U.S. companies approximately $12 billion annually (Duke University, 2010)

Productivity losses related to personal and family health problems cost U.S. employers $1,685 per employee per year, or $225.8 billion annually (American Productivity Audit, 2003)

Approximately $300 billion is spent annually on stress related costs in the U.S. (ie, Health care, lost productivity, absenteeism, presenteeism, turnover) (Rosch, 2001)

What is Stress?A condition of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain

A condition of psychological strain occurring in people and animals, usually in response to adverse events and capable of causing symptoms and signs such as increased blood pressure, insomnia, and irritability.

A stimulus or circumstance causing such a condition. ie, couldn't stand the stresses of the job and quit

- American Heritage Dictionary

Common Stress Triggers

Death of spouse/friend/family memberMajor change in work responsibilitiesDivorce/SeparationMajor personal injuryBeginning or ceasing formal schoolingRecently marriedMajor change in living conditionsBeing fired from workTroubles with bossRetirement from workTaking on a loan

Major change in work hours/conditionsMajor change in financial statePreparing for Christmas or major holidayMajor change in number of arguments with spousePlanning for vacationChange in type/amount of recreation Serving a jail term/minor law violationForeclosure on a mortgage or loanInability to accept uncertainty

Negative Signs of StressRecognize any of these in yourself or your employees?

Constant worry and anxietyLack of focusReduced productivityProcrastinationShort-temperedForgetfulness and mistakesInability to make decisionsFrequent illness/absencePoor relationships/communication with colleaguesWithdrawn, isolated, stays in officeMoody, irritable, cynicalArriving late, leaving earlyArriving early, leaving lateUnrealistic expectations, never satisfiedEating more or less

Benefits of Managing Stress at Work

Improved communication skills Resilience Better decision

making

Increased energy, focus and

productivityBetter employee

healthEnhanced

company image Increased creativity Trust and respect

Reduced health costsStronger

relationships among employees

Inclusive work environment

Enthusiasm and engagement

What You Can DoEnroll Executives and Managers. To create a culture of wellness and productivity, you must first engage executives and managers before rolling out a program to all employees. Provide practical programs and information. Empower employees to make positive choices and give them permission to make those choices at work. (See list of ideas below).Become a role model. If you want to create a more productive work environment, it’s important, as a business owner or leader, to model that behavior as well. A Gallup study suggests that a manager who cares about her health may be more likely to encourage her employees to exercise or get regular checkups.Offer support by listening. As a leader, listening to your employees sometimes allows them to solve their own problems. When an employee feels heard, they’ll feel less stressed the next time a problem arises knowing that support is available.

Simple Ideas to Start Relieving Stress

BreatheNotice your breath for 5 deep

breaths

StretchRelieve tension in your

neck, shoulders, face

Take a WalkFor a change of scenery walk around the office or outside

Call a FriendFor a pick me up, to vent or a laugh.

SmileGo ahead, try it. It’s contagious.

Eat for EnergyChoose fruits and whole grains

before chocolate

Sit and WriteWrite your thoughts

on paper instead of keeping them in your head

Choose CompassionYou never know what someone

is dealing with today

Communicate ClearlySet boundaries, manage time, &

make clear requests

About

Stacey Shipman helps individuals increase effectiveness as professionals, leaders, and business owners. She provides workshops and services that focus on reducing stress, strengthening presentation skills and developing relationships for success.She is the author of the Less Stress More Success book series that includes: Networking for Small Business, Relieve Stress from Your Desk and Present Your Best: Turn Speaking Stress into Success.Learn more about working with Stacey:Web: www.staceyshipman.com Email: [email protected]: @staceyshipman Phone: 617-548-5877

Relieve Stress from Your DeskEmpowering you and your employees to

create a more productive and effective work environment.Learn more about the Relieve Stress from Your Desk book and workshop.

http://www.relievestressfromyourdesk.com

About Stacey Shipman