Stress is a constant companion in today’s fast-paced workplaces. For wellness practitioners in the EAP industry, understanding and addressing stress isn’t just a professional skill—it’s a necessity. To help employees thrive, it’s crucial to revisit the foundational principles of stress management and apply them effectively.
Understanding Stress: A Refresher
Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure, which can manifest physically, emotionally, and behaviourally. While short-term stress can be a motivator, prolonged exposure negatively impacts productivity, health, and morale. In South Africa, the prevalence of workplace stress has increased, with studies citing financial pressures and job insecurity as significant contributors
“Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure, which can manifest physically, emotionally, and behaviourally.”
- Identifying Stressors
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- Why it’s essential: Employees often overlook the root causes of stress, which leads to surface-level solutions.
How to implement: Encourage employees to keep stress journals or participate in facilitated discussions to pinpoint triggers.
2. Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices
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- Key elements: Regular exercise, nutritious diets, and adequate sleep are proven to reduce stress hormones like cortisol.
Role of EAPs: Offer resources, such as wellness workshops or partnerships with local fitness centres, to make these changes accessible.
3. Teaching Stress-Relief Techniques
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- Popular options: Mindfulness, deep-breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation.
- EAP opportunities: Organise mindfulness sessions or provide employees with apps like Headspace or Calm to integrate these practices into their routines
- Why it matters: Connection reduces isolation, a major stress amplifier.
- EAP strategies: Foster peer support groups, improve manager-employee communication, and ensure access to professional counselling.
The Role of Wellness Practitioners
As wellness practitioners, your influence extends beyond individual employees to organisational culture. By championing stress management programmes, you help cultivate a supportive environment that prioritises well-being and boosts productivity. Regularly assess the effectiveness of these interventions and adapt them to meet evolving employee needs.
“By championing stress management programmes, you help cultivate a supportive environment“
Call to Action
Stress management isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it requires tailored, consistent effort. Revisit the basics by:
- Scheduling a workshop on stress-relief techniques.
- Evaluating your current EAP offerings for gaps in stress management resources.
- Encouraging leadership to model stress management behaviours.
By embracing these fundamentals, you can help employees build resilience and create a healthier, more harmonious workplace.
Sources:
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). Workplace Stress Statistics. SADAG
- World Health Organisation (WHO). Mental Health in the Workplace. WHO
- Mayo Clinic. Stress Management Techniques. Mayo Clinic
- Harvard Business Review. Effective Workplace Wellness Strategies. Harvard Business Review