Not all stress is bad, but it’s important to get and keep a finger on the pulse of mental health at your organization. This can be challenging when, as one recent study shows, 69% of workers say it is safer to stay silent about workplace stress at their organization. Here are some facts you need to tell the difference between good and bad stress and identify employees who might need help:
- In idea situations, periods of stress are followed by recovery times, which give the body and mind a chance to bounce back. When work stress is layered on top of life problems, or vice versa, people often have no opportunity to recover; and the stress becomes overwhelming.
- Stress leads to disengagement and burnout. Type A (go-getters) and C (perfectionists) workers are more likely to thrive on stress, while Type B (dreamers) and D (relaxed but consistent) people may be happier in low-stress situations. Depending on an employee’s personality type, the triggers for burnout may be different (e.g., boredom versus pressure).
- Employers can reengage workers through wellness programs, emotional health support, leave, childcare support, financial support/assistance, recognition, and staff development.
