The Costly Effects of Stress in the Workplace
One of the largest issues that affects all employees in the workforce, regardless of their position or company, is self-care– both physical and mental. Learn the financial impacts of employee stress.
We’re examining every aspect of productivity in the workplace. One of the largest issues that affects all employees in the workforce, regardless of their position or company, is self-care– both physical and mental. On a large scale, the World Health Organization says stress costs businesses $300 billion every year.
It’s tempting to show dedication to the company by staying late or skipping lunch, but sacrificing a work-life balance can easily turn detrimental to one’s abilities or quality of work. The Society for Human Resource Management has deemed this problem “presenteeism,” or when people are at work but are unproductive due to health problems including anxiety and depression. The cost of poor health is hurting companies both financially and in work quality. The simple idea of self-care is the key to push workers from surviving to thriving within their roles.
Zenefits talks to Ruslan Tovbulatov from Thrive Global, someone who has built a career on promoting work-life balance, self-care, and helping others achieve happiness, success, and ultimate productivity. He lets us in on his four core pillars of thriving:
- Well Being. Sure, we all know to drink plenty of water and eat our broccoli. However, one of the most underestimated wellness practices is giving your body the appropriate amount of sleep it requires. According to NIH research, lack of sleep impairs working memory, long-term memory, decision making, and attention. So as long as your job requires none of these, go ahead and deprive yourself of your 8 hours all you want.
- Wisdom. This is not to be confused with intelligence. Wisdom comes from practicing introspection and listening to one’s body.
- Connection. This goes beyond surface level friendships that can be fostered on social media. Tovbulatov emphasizes the importance of relationships, defined by the presence of empathy, understanding, and authentic connection. These support networks will go far in keeping you both physically and psychologically healthy.
- Purpose. It’s hard to be driven towards productivity when you don’t have a sense of purpose within your company. Finding pride in your work and the determination to excel begins with a sense of purpose.
While these are the overarching ideas behind a healthy work-life balance, they must be tailored to specific companies and lifestyles. To start implementing these ideas into your organization, begin by examining the kind of culture promoted around the office.
What beliefs are keeping your company from thriving? Perhaps it’s what Tovbulatov calls a “machismo” culture, which he defines as the belief that employees need to sacrifice in order to excel. Whatever it may be, use these four core values to communicate the practice of a healthy, balanced culture that will ultimately improve your company’s well being and productivity.
