by Cali Yakaback on April 3, 2014

As corporate HR offices work constantly to ensure corporate health and wellness, they encounter several obstacles along the way. One of them is the ever-growing problem of workplace stress.

If your workforce consists of a small number of people handling an inordinate load of work, there’s a good chance that a few people will start to feel overburdened. This can take a toll on them both physically and emotionally. If they begin to appear disengaged, this problem can manifest itself in a couple of ways – employees’ performance may begin to decline, and their dissatisfaction might spread throughout the company like a bad cold.

It’s imperative that companies’ HR leaders step up and take the tangible steps required to relieve workplace stress. Probably the best way to do this is simply to hire more people – this means the workload will be shared more evenly and everyone will be better off. Hiring can be expensive and time-consuming, though. It’s not for everyone.

According to Work Intelligently, you sometimes have to look for other ways. Sarah Schmid, a writer with over 15 years of workforce experience, explained the situation.

“Work-related stress is almost inevitable in the everyday American’s life, whether it’s the crunch of deadlines, pain-in-the-rear-end co-workers, or a demanding boss,” Schmid stated. “Most of us experience workplace stress in some form, and over the long term, it can have a significant negative effect on your business, potentially costing employers billions of dollars each year.”

So how do you nip this problem in the bud without breaking the bank? Here are five tactics that can work.

Improve your workspace
Sometimes, the actual physical space you work in has as much impact as any other factor. If your desk is messy, for example, it can serve as a distraction that keeps you from focusing on business. Cleaning can help – and so can decoration, as it may lift your emotional state to have an office that’s pleasing to look at each day.

Focus on strong communication
Communication is possibly the best way to overcome any workplace obstacles that come your way. If you have any problems at work – whether they’re with bosses, subordinates, co-workers, clients, what have you – talking through them and solving your interpersonal squabbles can make each day of work easier.

Deal with interruptions
Forbes recommends that employees learn to handle any disruptions in their work days. Maybe it’s a co-worker who always stops at your desk to chat, even when you’re too busy. Maybe you sit near a window and get distracted by watching what’s outside. In any event, internalizing your focus and sticking with the task at hand is crucial.

Learn to adapt
Finally, you must have the ability to roll with the punches when your schedule changes each day. When the boss crams a last-minute meeting into your day at 5 p.m., that can be aggravating, but often it’s just “part of the job.” Adapting to frustrating twists is part of handling the work day with aplomb.

Provide assistance when necessary
Companies can step in to provide direct support for workers who are going through tough times. Employee assistance programs are a great service to offer, as they help workers cope with physical, mental and emotional issues of all kinds.

@Ceridian @HRcom #employeewellness #stress
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