Stress is a factor in 7 out of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and the workplace is an important contributor. In fact, the negative consequences from stress are so strong that it has been declared a World Wide Epidemic by the World Health Organization.


Every employee has, at some point, experienced work-related stress. It occur even if you love what you do. You might have to meet a deadline or to fulfil a challenging obligation in short term.

When work stress becomes chronic, it can be overwhelming to physical and emotional health.


As managers and companies, we need to examine our employees and the environments we create for them. We need to make sure we are providing an office that fits our employees' definition of “not stressful,” not just what we think that looks like.

I have a few broad ideas that can be used to alleviate workplace stress, but make sure you tailor them to your workforce.

Put these ideas into action; and remember, the best strategies start with leadership’s example:


  1. Track your stressor. Keep a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them. Record your thoughts, feelings, and information about the environment, including the people and circumstances involved, the physical setting, and how you reacted.
  2. Set boundaries. It's important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means not checking work emails or taking work calls outside of work hours. It also means making time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax.
  3. Know your expectations. Unclear job requirements are a factor that contributes to job burnout and increased stress among employees. It is important to have open communication with your supervisor to clarify expectations and relieve stress.
  4. Take breaks. It's important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, step outside for some fresh air, or do some stretches. Taking breaks will help you stay focused and productive, and it will also help to reduce stress levels.
  5. Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
  6. Avoid conflicts. Conflict among co-workers can be difficult to escape, so it’s a good idea to avoid conflict at work as much as you can. Don’t gossip, don’t share more of personal opinions about religion and politics, and steer clear of "colorful" office humor. When possible, try to avoid people who don’t work well with others, or handle with care.
  7. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will give you the energy you need to cope with stress and improve your overall health. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  8. Be organized. Keeping yourself organized can avoid the negative effects of clutter, and being more efficient with your work.
  9. Get enough sleep. When you're well-rested, you're better able to handle stress. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  10. Talk to someone. If you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. Talking about your problems can help you to feel better and to develop coping strategies.
  11. Favorite music. Listening to music offers many benefits and can be an effective way to relieve stress before, during, and after work. Likewise, combating the stress of a long day with your favorite music on the drive home can help you wind down and feel less stressed when you get there.

Managing stress is an ongoing process. There will be times when you feel more stressed than others. However, by following these tips, you can learn to manage stress and improve your overall health and well-being.


In addition to the above, there are a number of other things that employers can do to help reduce stress in the workplace.

These include:

  1. Providing flexible work arrangements, such as flextime and telecommuting
  2. Offering on-site wellness programs, such as stress management classes and fitness centers
  3. Creating a positive work environment, one that is supportive and collaborative
  4. Providing regular feedback to employees
  5. Recognizing and rewarding employees for their accomplishments
  6. As coworkers get to know each other, expectations and communication barriers are broken down, greasing the wheels for easier future interactions.
  7. A small room, a lounge space at the end of the hall, and even an outdoor bench can be perfect places to find refuge from the chaos of the daily grind

By taking steps to reduce stress in the workplace, employers can improve employee morale, productivity, and overall health.