How to Combat Personal Stress and Workplace Stress

Do you know the average American changes jobs every two years? Retail employees change jobs even more. No wonder people have so much personal stress, not to mention stress in the workplace.

So what’s happening? Companies are constantly working to cut expenses to increase revenue, employees are working more hours without more compensation, and stress in the workplace is on the rampage. Meanwhile, customers are becoming more and more unhappy with the service they receive from companies.
When employees leave work each day, what type of experience are they leaving with? Stress?

In a perfect world, or I guess I should say, in “Workplace Utopia,” we find the best employee and give them the best workplace experience. In turn, the employee gives the company their most innovative ideas, their highest loyalty, dedication to customers, and a good attitude.

Believe it or not, there are a few companies out there who believe in giving their employees a good workplace experience, and needless to say, most are Fortune 500 companies.

If “Workplace Utopia” was a real environment, we could satisfy basic human needs within the workplace.

The needs of dignity and purpose are good examples of basic human needs. What if management included the opinions and ideas of employees concerning new programs?

Not only would this make the employee feel their opinions and ideas are valuable, the management has just satisfied their dignity and purpose needs. Including employees in these types of decisions make them feel as if they are members of something good--the company.

What if the revenue of the company was increased while making the employees happier in their workplace? Research has shown that companies with good communication have higher profits than those who don’t. Many employees complain about communication in the workplace.
In “Workplace Utopia,” we could use cell phones, email, texting, not to mention landlines, post-it notes, and all the options from Google, to communicate within the company. With better communication, employees could stay in the loop about upcoming changes or new developments and not have to rely on gossip.
Communication...What a great idea!

Let’s wrap up our "Workplace Utopia” idea by removing all the de-motivators from the work environment. First, let’s remove the lack of clear expectations. This way the employee will know exactly what is expected of him, which will eliminate stress and frustration and the employee can feel like a winner.
Next we will remove some of the dictatorship, excuse me, I meant to use the word “control,” management has over the employee's work, since studies have shown that the more control an employee has over their work, the harder they will work. This will make the employee feel more self-confident and creative.
And finally, let’s remove all doubts of anyone feeling unappreciated and that way, no employee will have the "why bother" attitude. Management will appreciate and recognize each employee for their individual skills and talents, as well as their mistakes, which will make them feel the need to be more creative and innovative.

Now that we have de-stressed the work environment, employees can create more revenue for the company, since a happy employee is a productive employee. Once the employer begins making more money, he could actually compensate his employees for what they are worth. More money would lessen the personal stress for many employees.

I believe we are finished now. We have not only beaten stress in the workplace, we have crushed personal stress for employees. We have basically defeated two problems with one solution!

So how come more companies don't adopt the "Workplace Utopian" attitude? Perhaps they like the additional expense of replacing good employees every few years. I wonder if they know that “help wanted” ads are expensive and so is employee training? Probably not.

Maybe, a lot of employers don’t like acting like Fortune 500 Companies. But then again, if they don’t act like successful people, they don’t have to worry about becoming successful. Good idea…..Perhaps not.

Or, maybe these employers have a fear of success. With success comes more responsibilities and obligations. Bad move.

I quit. I give up. There is no sane answer as to why more employers don’t create a Workplace Utopia. It should be a “no brainer.” Quality and content employees do generate more revenue for their company. It’s a win/win situation!