Work stress reaches epidemic levels. 4 tips to stay healthy minded

Stress at work – poorly controlled but demanding – has reached levels close to the epidemic. According to the American Institute of Stress, until about 1995, Japan held the record number of hours worked per week. Today, Americans work nearly a month longer than the Japanese and three months longer than the Germans. We are also working harder. This is not only ravaging the mental and physical state of employees, but also the economy in general.

According to some estimates, the financial impact on our economy could reach $ 300 billion a year, taking into account the drop in productivity, the absence of work, the turnover of staff and the costs of health care badociated with treatment and managing the debilitating effects of work stress.

We have almost all felt a sense of stress or burnout and we know very well how much it can be crippling.

The ever-increasing demands of the modern workplace have proven to be a major problem that has increased the pressure on employees. Survey data from the Bridge by Instructure Employee Development Solution, a national survey of more than 1,000 office workers, highlights some of the most important stressors. For example, 78% of respondents said that working more hours was an important factor in promotion. At the same time, 53% of respondents said that their participation in workplace politics played a role in their career advancement and 50% said that socialization outside of work was also part of The mixture.

These challenges are compounded by the fact that many employers may not be so focused on supporting
the mental health of employees as they should be. Only one-third of employees said they were encouraged by their employers to use their paid leave, and just 11% said they were encouraged to take mental health days. All this stress led many to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms: 34% of them said their work was more dependent on caffeine, 9% said that they had increased their Sugar consumption and 7% indicated that they depended on anti-anxiety.

THE EFFECT OF STRESS IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Source: Bridge by Instructure National Survey on the Work Habits of More Than 1,000 Office Workers.

But do not be afraid, chronically stressed employees: you can take some steps to help you fight this trend. Keep these simple tips in mind and always remember that your mental health and well-being must be a priority.

Be proactive in your career path. Take the initiative to talk to your manager about your
career goals. By making sure that you and your manager are on the same page with regard to your future, it will be easier for you to have conversations about the priorities and the overview, which will help to limit your future stress.

Move. The science is clear: moving, standing and exercising are good for your physical and mental health. Regular standing, movement, and light aerobic exercise throughout the day will reduce stress. Take a walk or, better yet, organize a meeting on foot and involve your colleagues! Putting it in your calendar as a reminder can help you.

Enjoy your paid holidays and sick days. Feel free to use your paid vacations and sick leave – you have earned and you can enjoy it. Work absences can increase productivity and engagement upon your return. Your employer will benefit from your productivity gain and you will have a well-deserved break.

Do not skimp on the Zzzz. Not being able to sleep enough hinders concentration and creativity, reduces problem-solving skills and reduces overall productivity. After a long day of work, it can be tempting to try to make the most of your leisure in the late evening, but you will pay the price the next day and long term. Good sleep habits will help you manage stress at work and keep you engaged throughout the day.

–Peter Brussard, vice president of product management at Bridge by Instructure