Everyone gets stressed in the workplace at one time or another, and this stress can get in the way of productivity. As an employer, you need to find ways to help eliminate a lot of the stress in the workplace, so your employees are happy in their work, and productive. It is not always enough to just give them frequent breaks. Today’s employers are getting creative in how they are eliminating stress in the workplace, or at least greatly cutting it down.
Here are eight creative ways you can help get rid of stress at your office.
1. Walking Challenges
Encouraging exercise is important for the health of your employees, and one way to do this is by having walking challenges. Give employees FitBits so they can track their steps, or even just simple, old-fashioned step trackers. Challenge them to take so many steps in a month, and if they get there, they get a prize. This is even more fun when they form teams and walk together for relaxation and good health.
2. Walking Meetings
If you don’t have to give a presentation using a computer, projector, etc., why not take your meetings outside? Walking is good for the body, and a great way to relieve stress. If your meeting is simply going to involve talking, there is really no reason why you have to do it inside. You can walk and talk, and get a lot accomplished without being in a stuffy office.
3. Flex Time
Give your employees the flexibility to work at hours of their choosing. If they are getting their work done, it doesn’t really matter what time they are doing it. Let them come in late, leave early, stagger hours, etc. Employees will love that they have more freedom and because they are less stressed, they will be more productive and happy in their work.
4. Game Tables
Put a couple of game tables in the break room, such as a pool table and a foosball table. When employees are stressed and need a break, they can use the game tables to blow off a bit of steam. You can even set up company game tournaments with prizes, and raise money for a charity. It is even better if you schedule these tournaments during company time, to show employees that they can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at work.
5. Massages
Bring in a massage therapist to offer massages right in the office. They don’t have to be long sessions. Just 10 minutes can help eliminate a lot of stress in the body, and your employees will be more relaxed and productive. Massage can help to reduce tension, insomnia, headaches, and muscle tension, which is going to improve overall employee health.
6. Holiday Contests
Have holiday decorating contests, and offer prizes to the best-decorated offices, desks, etc. Let employees vote on their favorite decorating efforts, so everyone has a chance to be involved. Make sure prizes are holiday-themed, or even better, give out gift cards that employees can use to pick out what they want or need. This is a fun way for employees to de-stress, and the office space is going to look terrific.
7. Laughter
Show your employees that you have a great sense of humor, and find ways to make them laugh daily. If you see a video that makes you laugh, share it with them (as long as it is appropriate). Share funny jokes at the beginning of meetings, which will also help to ease any tension in the room.
8. Ice Cream
In the summer months, give your employees ice cream breaks. Everyone can walk to the nearest store or ice cream parlor for a frozen treat. Or, arrange for an ice cream truck to show up at a certain time on hot days, pay in advance, and let your employees cool off, on you.
