It is a well-known fact that the impact of stress on companies is costly, but the recent economic downturn has amplified stress levels for business owners and their employees. Many company leaders report seeing stress levels soar in the past few months.
The impact on productivity, absenteeism and increased medical costs is costing American businesses $300 billion a year, according to the American Psychological Association. A poll conducted by the association showed that one in four employees has called in sick as a result of stress.
Whether you work in an air-conditioned office or on a factory floor, the impact of stress on your body and psychological wellbeing is enormous. When stress levels are high, we choose coping mechanisms. Unhealthy behavioral responses including increased smoking, alcohol consumption, overeating, comfort eating, worry and sleeplessness, eventually land us in the doctor’s office.
Seventy to 80 percent of visits to physician offices are due to stress-related illnesses, ranging from the common cold and gastrointestinal problems to heart-related symptoms. The impact on relationships is significant as well. The emotional response to stress exhibited through anger, fear, anxiety and frustration impacts relationships in the workplace and at home.
Included in the list of reported stress generators:
Job uncertainty.
- Cost-cutting.
- Unyielding demands for higher productivity.
- Expectations of constant and immediate communication.
- The endless use of e-mails, cell phones, and Blackberries that extend the boundaries of work to home.
- Long hours.
- Time pressure.
- Too many changes within the job.
- Not getting enough feedback.
- Not having enough influence on our job and how it is done.
- A lack of recognition or respect.
Many experts say that the feeling of not being heard ranks as the most stressful aspect of interpersonal work relationships. The resulting feeling of helplessness that comes when employees feel like they’ve expressed themselves and been discounted or not listened to has significant impact on physical and emotional health. When employees feel that they are not respected, that their opinion isn’t meaningful, they are at increased risk of stress-related illness. Effective communication is a two way street that flows from management to staff and back again.
Managing leadership stress
Stress and anxiety can be contagious. Patti Plough, LPN, with Healics, Inc., a local wellness company, has observed while doing workplace wellness screenings that elevated blood pressure in an organization is often an aggregate phenomena.
“You don’t just see one or two elevated blood pressures during stressful times,” says Plough. “It appears to impact the organization as a whole.”
It is critical to stay positive so that the stress and anxiety you feel as a company leader doesn’t trickle down and fuel already existing concerns. Try to keep your challenges in perspective. The impact of the economy is affecting everyone, and you are not in it alone. Stay physically fit. Research proves that executives who exercise regularly are more effective leaders. Exercise not only relaxes but boosts energy. Don’t keep everything to yourself. Communicate openly with colleagues and employees. Sharing the bad news as well as the good helps people plan their own coping strategies.
Helping employees cope
Money talks but studies show that paying a higher wage doesn’t necessarily ease occupational stress. Now may not be the time for pay increases or building an exercise room but small things can make a big difference:
- Acknowledge the presence of difficult and stressful business cycles.
- Provide opportunities for exercise…lunch hour walks, basketball, ping-pong.
- Allow employees to have more control over their schedule and work hours.
- Allow employees to work at home if possible.
- Schedule a company cookout or lunch.
- Maintain communication that flows from top to bottom and back.
- Provide assistance with childcare.
- Offer flexible leave options.
- Communicate the positive and the hope that things are going to get better.
Consider gender differences
A study commissioned by LLuminiari, a national health education firm, about the causes of workplace stress revealed that what men and women value in the workplace are different.
“Men and women emphasized entirely different values as important in the workplace,” said Marianne Legato, M.D., advisor to the study.
Values most important to men are pay and benefits: achievement and success, and status and authority. While these values are also important to women, ranking higher in importance were friends at work and relationships; recognition and respect; and communication and collaboration.
When these values are out of sync, stress builds and health risks increase.
