How to Help Your Employees Manage Stress and Anxiety

Studies have shown that, on average, people spend 13+ years of their lives working. This may or may not include the 5.3 hours a week outside of normal business hours spent checking work emails.

In a nutshell, work adds up. And, unfortunately, it doesn’t operate in a silo. When we work, we’re also juggling life. At any given time, in addition to work, you might be raising kids, getting married, buying a home, moving to said home, and/or managing a slew of other normal, non-milestone happenings.

As an employer, it’s necessary to recognize that your employees are more than worker bees. In times of adversity especially, it’s just as important to adapt as a small business owner as it is to empathize as a human with your staff. Here are just a few ways to help employees manage stress and anxiety.

Provide Free or Subsidized Wellness Resources

Simply acknowledging the existence of stress and anxiety can go a long way in putting people at ease. Speak with your staff from a place of understanding when addressing the importance of wellness and work-life balance.

You can even help facilitate said balance by offering free or subsidized resources. This could translate to something like a meditation app subscription or gym membership reimbursement. Alternatively, encourage breaks throughout the day for the sake of both productivity and mental health.

Shift Focus on Goals as Needed

Another way to help manage stress and anxiety among your employees is to be realistic about goals and quotas. Numbers that may have made sense in the beginning of the year might not always remain relevant as time goes on and certain events unfold.

Rather than dwell on the reality of the situation, lead with positivity and problem-solving. If you want your team operating to the best of their ability, make sure expectations align with the reality of your surroundings.

Be Lenient on Remote Work

Remote work is slowly becoming the new normal and while it might seem crucial to have everyone in the office every day of the week, it’s not always convenient. Gather feedback from your employees on their preferences.

You should also know your audience. If many of your staff have families, allowing for more time off (or at least, time at home) is a great way to show you’re both listening and responding thoughtfully as their employer.