Stress has become a prevalent problem in modern work settings, impacting employees’ well-being and productivity. Prolonged exposure to workplace stress can lead to decreased job satisfaction and a decline in overall life quality. But perhaps more importantly, it can lead to compromised health, causing issues like anxiety, sleep disorders, elevated blood pressure and a compromised immune system.
According to Health and Safety Executive UK, six main areas can lead to work-related stress. These are demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.
People who experience workplace stress may feel they:
- are unable to cope with the demands of their jobs
- are unable to control the way they do their work
- are not receiving enough information and support
- have difficulty with relationships at work, or are being bullied
- do not fully understand their role and responsibilities
- are not engaged when a business is undergoing change
Nonetheless, individuals can handle and alleviate stress at work by adopting effective strategies and coping mechanisms. This article examines five practical examples of how to reduce stress at work and cultivate a healthier work atmosphere.
Prioritise and Organise Tasks
Insurance and asset management involves handling multiple tasks simultaneously, such as underwriting policies, conducting risk assessments, analysing market trends, and engaging with clients. Balancing workload and effectively managing time can be challenging.
It’s crucial to prioritise and organise your tasks to alleviate workplace stress. Create a comprehensive to-do list or utilise management tools to identify the most time-critical tasks. Break down complex projects into smaller, manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time. With a clear roadmap of priorities, you can focus on what truly matters, feel more in control, and reduce the overwhelming sensation associated with a heavy workload.
Master Effective Time Management
Meeting performance assessments, revenue generation, client retention and asset growth targets can be stressful and demanding – especially when market conditions are challenging or volatile. Proper time management is essential to help chart your course and hit the bull’s eye. You risk performing in a stress-positive and productivity-negative environment without good time management.
The best way to use your time is to identify your peak energy hours; this is the time during the day when you’re most focused and productive. Prioritise your most important tasks during those periods, set realistic deadlines, avoid overcommitting and allow a buffer for unexpected interruptions. Effective time management gives you control over your work and helps avoid unnecessary stress.
Establish Healthy Work-Life Balance
Meeting client expectations, understanding their unique requirements and delivering satisfactory results can be demanding. Especially when clients have diverse needs or high expectations. Setting boundaries and learning to manage these expectations alongside your existing work commitments is vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and minimizing workplace stress.
Avoid responding to clients or other work-related calls or emails outside working hours. Say no when a task does not align with your priorities, or your plate is full. Be proactive and communicate with your clients and colleagues about your boundaries. And be clear, this isn’t an admission of weakness. It’s a sign that you’re a professional dedicated to doing your job well.
With clear boundaries, you can prevent work from encroaching on your personal life, promote better work-life integration and enjoy a more rewarding work experience.
Engage in Regular Stress-Relief Activities
Developing healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for managing workplace stress. Equally, building a life full of healthy habits helps you better navigate stressful situations and enhances your resilience in the face of challenges.
In the office: Working long stretches without taking time out can lead to burnout and increased stress. It’s essential to take regular short breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. In fact, a recent workplace survey revealed the most impactful workplaces include spaces to recharge, work individually and engage in creative group work.
Step away from your desk, stretch and do something that helps you relax and rejuvenate. Taking breaks allows your mind to refresh, improves focus and productivity and reduces the build-up of stress throughout the day.
Outside the office: Identify activities that help you relax and recharge, such as walking, practising mindfulness or meditation, reading a book, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby. Physical exercise is also an excellent stress reliever, so consider incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Explore stress management resources, like books, podcasts, or workshops, to learn effective coping strategies. These activities divert your attention from work-related stressors, promote mental and emotional rejuvenation and contribute to overall well-being.
Foster Supportive Relationships
Insurance and asset management professionals often encounter ethical dilemmas when handling client information, conflicts of interest, or investment choices. Balancing ethical considerations, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring client satisfaction requires careful decision-making. All of which can add up to significant pressure.
By building a network of trusted and supportive connections within the workplace (colleagues, managers, and mentors), you will always have someone who can provide valuable support and a fresh perspective to help you navigate your path without the overwhelm.
By fostering supportive relationships, you can alleviate stress, enhance job satisfaction, and create a sense of camaraderie within your workplace.
The Strategy of Change
A positive work environment can significantly contribute to reducing stress levels. Your workplace should nurture positivity by promoting a culture of appreciation, recognition, and respect. Additionally, collaboration, teamwork and open dialogue should all be encouraged. You should have access to professional development and growth opportunities and enjoy celebrating achievements and milestones as a team. And in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, those UK companies who have been awake at the wheel will know how to reduce stress at work with modern-day must-haves like wellness programmes or initiatives that promote a supportive and inclusive work environment.
If you fail to see your working environment reflected in these statements, it might be time to adopt a different strategy and embark on a new career opportunity.
For some straightforward and honest advice, contact our team today. Let’s help you turn the job satisfaction factor up to 11!