Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
Since 1992, Stress Awareness Month has been held every April to increase public awareness about a commonly downplayed health problem. Stress can be both physical and emotional, and much of our stress is directly related to work environment. Stress can result in sleep deprivation, obesity, emotional problems, and can make us more vulnerable to physical injury. Massachusetts employers should take note. Stressed workers cost 50 percent more in annual health costs, and they are more likely to be less productive and disengaged. According to the American Institute of Stress, job-related stress costs employers more than $300 billion every year. Contact a Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today.
Provide Workplace Wellness Benefits
Exercise and a healthy lifestyle go a long way toward combating workplace stress. Employers can incentivize workers to be healthy by offering discounted gym memberships, hosting healthy eating / exercise challenges, or even adding an on-site gym.
Make the Workplace an Enjoyable Place to Be
When employees enjoy their work environment, they are happier, more productive, and more creative. By setting aside an hour, at least once a week, to engage with your employees in a social activity, you can increase morale and reduce stress. Consider having a weekly meeting that focuses on a fun activity, such as playing a game, sharing stories, or going out to lunch.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open With all Your Co-Workers, Supervisors and Employees
When employees think they’re being kept in the dark, it can lead to frustration, anxiety, and stress. Open communication about changes, and each employee’s individual performance, reduces stress and helps employees stay focused on their work. In addition, when you openly communicate with your employees, they are more likely to openly communicate with you.
Provide an On-site Space for Relaxing and Regrouping
When you want to relax at home, do you go to a certain room? A den, sunroom, or bedroom. Maybe you go there to read a favorite book, take a nap, or have a cup of tea. The workday should allow for mini-breaks as well. Employees benefit from having a space in which to unwind and disengage from the chaos and stress of a workplace. Even a short break from distractions is beneficial. When employees can take 15 minutes to relax in a comfortable chair with their thoughts, a book, or even a power nap, they can return to work refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.
Allow Employees to Work Remotely When Possible
Some extremely talented, hardworking employees work exceptionally well from their home office but don’t function well in the structured setting of a typical office environment. If full-time remote work is not an option, consider flexi-time. Giving responsible employees the option to work from home one or two days a week may have an immense benefit on their productivity, stress-levels, and job longevity.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Serving all of Massachusetts
If you’ve been injured at work, the skilled workers’ comp team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have more than 50 years of experience protecting Massachusetts’ workforce. Any work environment can result in injuries. You don’t have to be perched on scaffolding or digging trenches to get injured. Some of the most debilitating injuries occur in offices. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free consultation about your case.
