To Reduce Employee Stress,
Address the Root Causes

The modern workplace is rife with stressors - tight deadlines, challenging coworkers, an always-on culture. In an attempt to help employees manage this stress, about 70% of companies now offer wellness programs. But a striking quote from a recent Harvard Business Review article cautions, "Implementing wellness programs to help employees manage stress is like building trauma centers to deal with car accidents."

The article emphasizes that measuring employee stress should not just result in attempts to alleviate symptoms. Rather, it should serve as a guide for organizations to identify and address the underlying causes of workplace stress.

At tEQuitable, we have a unique vantage point. As a confidential sounding board, we hear directly from employees about the workplace issues causing them the most stress and anxiety. Through this active dialogue, we help employees resolve their concerns while also surfacing insights to help companies make meaningful changes.

Here are three high-impact actions organizations can take to get to the root of employee stress:

1. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Don't just collect feedback - let employees know what specific actions are being taken as a result. This demonstrates responsiveness and shows their input isn't falling on deaf ears, in turn reducing stress and anxiety.

2. Provide robust professional development. Training, coaching, mentorship - these planned development opportunities make employees feel supported and connected, reducing the isolation and self-doubt that often fuel stress. It's a win-win, benefiting both employees and the business.

3. Ensure employee access to support resources. Whether it's an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or an Organizational Ombuds program like tEQuitable, simply knowing they have somewhere to turn during challenging times can significantly ease employee stress levels.

The bottom line? Wellness programs can be valuable, but they're a band-aid, not a cure. To truly move the needle on workplace stress, organizations need to systematically identify and address the core issues negatively impacting employees. Only then can companies forge a healthier, more sustainable path forward for their people and their business.

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