Ask the HR Department: How can employers reduce workplace stress?

 

Job stress is a common issue that can significantly impact both employee wellbeing and business productivity. While a certain level of stress is normal and even motivating, chronic stress over time can lead to absenteeism, poor performance, mental health issues, and higher turnover rates—ultimately harming your business.

A 2023 study by Statistics Canada revealed that over 4.1 million Canadians (21.2 percent of those surveyed) reported experiencing high levels of work-related stress. The consequences are not just emotional—physical problems like headaches, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular issues are also common. Mental health is also affected. Anxiety and depression are closely linked to prolonged job stress, with one in three Canadians citing job-related stress as the primary cause of their mental health struggles.

As an employer, it’s important to recognize the signs of chronic stress among your employees. Watch for emotional outbursts, irritability, low productivity, or physical symptoms like fatigue and muscle tension. However, not all symptoms are easily visible, making it crucial to foster a culture of mental health awareness and provide support for those struggling with stress.

Common sources of job stress include unrealistic workloads, poor work-life balance, unclear job expectations, workplace conflict, and unsafe working conditions. To reduce stress, employers should take proactive steps such as setting clear job expectations, providing adequate resources and training, promoting a supportive work environment, and offering flexible work options.

Additionally, offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and stress management training can help employees manage stress effectively. A healthy, supportive work environment not only boosts employee morale and productivity but also helps attract top talent and reduce turnover, benefiting the business as a whole.

A global leader in HR and health & safety consulting, Peninsula has been supporting small and medium businesses for 40 years. We are trusted by over 140,000 SMBs globally. In Canada, we helped over 6,500 SMBs with tailored HR documentation, 24/7 employer advice, and provide employment management software. We pride ourselves on delivering a service that mitigates risk, adds value, and allows businesses to focus their time on what matters most.

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