Stress at work affects 67% of Brazilians, according to a recent study. What are the causes and how should companies take responsibility for improving quality of life? Read on to find out more!

Causes of stress at work

Among the main factors contributing to increased stress in the corporate environment are pressure for results, excessive demands, lack of autonomy and, in many cases, a toxic organizational culture.

In addition, the advance of technology and constant digital connection have increased expectations of availability for professionals, making it difficult to balance personal and professional life.

The data mentioned above also highlights the urgency of measures to mitigate the impacts of stress and promote a healthier working environment.

Impact of stress on health and productivity

Stress, when left unmanaged, can have a serious impact on the mental and physical health of professionals, such as sleep problems, anxiety, depression and even cardiovascular diseases, as we've discussed here. here.

In the corporate environment, these symptoms translate into a drop in productivity, an increase in the number of errors and wrong decisions, as well as a higher rate of sick leave.

Companies that fail to recognize and deal with these challenges are therefore susceptible to losing valuable talent and seeing their productivity compromised in the long term.

Strategies to reduce stress at work

Although stress at work is a reality for many, there are effective strategies that companies can implement to improve employees' quality of life and reduce this negative impact. Among the most relevant are

1. Promoting a culture of well-being
   Companies that invest in wellness programs, such as regular breaks, collaborative environments and encouraging healthy habits, tend to have more satisfied employees who are less prone to stress. Promoting physical activity and creating relaxing spaces in the workplace are increasingly common initiatives.
2. Encouraging Transparent Communication
   Environments where there is open and constant communication tend to be less stressful. When employees are clear about their responsibilities and receive constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, they feel more secure and less overwhelmed.
3. Offering Emotional Support and Training
   The creation of psychological support programs, focusing on the emotional development of employees, is an efficient strategy. In addition, training helps employees to cope with day-to-day pressure.
4. Balancing Workload and Expectations
   Too many tasks and unattainable targets are major stress generators. Efficient management should focus on planning that distributes tasks in a balanced and realistic way, taking into account the skills and limitations of each professional.
5. Making work more flexible
   The hybrid model or the possibility of a home office are also solutions that are gaining more and more prominence. Flexible working hours and location can help reduce pressure, giving employees more autonomy to organize their day and reduce stressful commutes.

The role of leadership in reducing stress

Leadership plays a crucial role in creating a less stressful working environment. Leaders who practice humanized management, focused on supporting the individual and collective development of their employees, help to reduce organizational stress.

Humanized Leadership and Effective Communication:
Leaders who listen to their teams, practice empathy and promote open dialog are more likely to create an environment of trust and support, which is key to reducing stress.

Autonomy and recognition:
Providing employees with autonomy and recognizing their efforts are essential elements for maintaining motivation and reducing feelings of overload. Feeling valued and having control over your activities are factors that significantly reduce stress.

Quality of life and productivity

Stress in the workplace is a reality that directly affects the quality of life of workers and the performance of companies. Implementing strategies that promote a healthy environment, with a balance between demands and expectations, and emotional support for employees, is essential to reducing these alarming rates.

Companies that invest in well-being, humanized leadership and management practices that prioritize the mental health of their employees not only improve the organizational climate, but also stand out in terms of productivity and talent retention. Creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued and able to manage their demands in a balanced way is undoubtedly one of the greatest competitive advantages in today's scenario.

Find out more about training that improves quality of life and reduces stress in the workplace:

• The Five Behaviors® Team Development
• Effective Communication
• Connection, Communication and Collaboration
• The Art of Feedback
• DiSC Workplace Workshop