How to Ease Workers' Worries

There are many ways for employers to recognize the causes of stress in the workplace, and put steps in place to fix them

by Karen E. Klein

Studies show that job stress costs U.S. industries more than $300 billion a year in expenses incurred from accidents, absenteeism, employee turnover, and diminished productivity, as well as direct medical, legal, and insurance costs to business owners. A recent Gallup Poll reported that 80% of workers feel job stress. Nearly half said they need help in learning how to manage stress. John Ayala, Los Angeles-area president of ADP TotalSource, a professional employer organization, has compiled a list of stress-prevention strategies for employers. He shared some tips recently with Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein.

What are some of the causes of employee stress?

Long work hours and routine tasks that have little meaning, or work that does not take advantage of employees’ skills. Another is management that gives employees little or no input in decision-making, poor organizational communication, or lack of family-friendly policies. Poor interpersonal relationships and lack of support from colleagues and supervisors; conflicting or uncertain job expectations or too much responsibility; and career concerns such as job insecurity, rapid changes, or lack of opportunity for growth, advancement or promotion, all factor in.

Is there stress sometimes caused by the physical jobsite?

The environment, including unpleasant or dangerous physical conditions such as crowding, noise, air pollution, or ergonomic problems, can contribute.

How does stress translate directly into expenses for employers?

For employees, stress can lead to illness, injury, or job failure. For employers, research shows that a stressful work environment can affect the amount of their budget that must be allocated to employee health care contributions. Studies show that health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress.

How can employers recognize job stress?

Watch for early warning signs, like complaints about headaches or sleep disturbances, difficulty in concentrating, short tempers, or low morale. Signs that job stress may be a widespread issue within a company include: health and job complaints among several workers, general low morale, and high employee turnover.

What should employers be doing to combat on-the-job stress?

Clearly define your workers' roles and responsibilities and ensure that their workloads are in line with their capabilities and resources. Design jobs that provide meaning, stimulation, and opportunities for employees to use their skills. Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting their jobs, and improve your company-wide communications. That reduces uncertainty about career development and future employment prospects.

What about creating social outlets for employees? Does that help?

Yes. Business owners can also reduce workplace stress by encouraging employees to take short breaks, making time for staff members to have fun in the office, or occasionally providing special perks such as early departures.

Karen E. Klein is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers entrepreneurship and small-business issues.