Workplace stress is one of the main factors which heavily impacts business growth and revenue. According to the JobNet.com.mm Workplace Stress in Myanmar - Employees Survey 2020, 74.3% of respondents said that there is no current program that employers are doing to minimize the levels of stress in the workplace, and only 17.2% said that they have recognized team activities for workplace fun. It could be concluded by the results of this survey that a decent majority of employers in this country are not acutely aware of issues relating to stress in the workplace. At a minimum, a large number of employees don’t recognize or are not made aware of any stress-relieving tactics their organization has taken to help reduce the stress and strain on their people.
Why companies should consider implementing the practice to reduce workplace stress?
The WHO (World Health Organization) has declared the harmful effect of workplace stress as a “Worldwide Epidemic”. The impact of stress at work has a profound effect such as losing focus at work, motivation declines, and high staff turnover – all of which directly effects the employers for business revenue and profitability on their bottom line. However, the employer can use these simple strategies that help reduce stress at work for cost-benefit and employee satisfaction.
How employers can minimize workplace stress?
1.Creating a friendly working environment
This means that employees are allowed to respectfully express their personal viewpoints and thinkings to anybody in the workplace. First of all, stress is diminished by creating an atmosphere that employees feel open and comfortable asking questions about their concerns and issues and can get honest answers to them. Additionally, providing an opportunity to invest in themselves learn a new skill can be encouraged; advancing their career growth.
You may read: Strategic Employee Development Plans of Successful Companies
2. Employees Wellness Program and Policy
Having a specific program targeted to improving the livelihoods for employees is often overlooked but certainly noticed by team members. Wellness programs could be wide ranging and might include anything from education on having a healthy diet, exercise such as stretching and breathing techniques, mental health and depression education, as well as financial literacy. It is also good to have an official well-being policy which had been consulted by experienced HR professionals. It would be wise to provide the an outline of the flexible and realistic best guidance to reduce stress at work since nearly 65% of survey respondents mentioned that their company does not have a formal policy or procedure in place.
There is no doubt that employees are the most important asset of the company. By following these examples and implementing compassionate programs, companies will be poised to retain healthier and productive employees in both the short and long terms.
You may read: Promoting Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace
The Myanmar Employer Awards campaign (powered by JobNet.com.mm) is designed to recognise employers and top industry leaders across the country for their exceptional achievements and relentless commitment to employer excellence and talent management. By participating in the Myanmar Employer Awards, companies will have a chance to gain recognition for hard work done in implementing policies and practices in recruiting, developing, and retaining employees. For more information, please find out https://www.myanmaremployerawards.com/awards