We all need a breath of fresh air sometimes. With spring finally arriving, we’re emerging from our winter hibernation—perhaps better described for some of us as winter avoidance. This article addresses the unwanted consequences of work stress, and the benefits of encouraging employees to spend time outside.
Source: JayL / shutterstock Amicalola Creek, Georgia
How Can Workplace Stress Affect My Company?
In today’s fast-paced workplace, deadlines, evaluations, customer relationships, personal and company goals, and family matters remain constantly embedded in the minds of many employees. Unfortunately, these thoughts often cause a great deal of stress. The American Psychological Association states that stress can affect the body in a multitude of ways, wreaking havoc on the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, just to name a few. (I’ll leave stress eating off of the list, but we’ve all been there.) While some employees thrive under such pressures, others can crumble.
As a result of all that stress, you may see drastic changes in employees’ job performance and productivity. Forbes has reported that excessive work stress can lead to increased employee disengagement and absenteeism. Further, the slippery slope of employee stress can lead to unexpected financial costs for your company. For example, employees suffering from the physical effects of stress may need to seek medical help. Some employees may even need time off.
So, what’s a cost-effective way to shake off the winter blues, lowering employees’ stress levels, and prevent burnout? The answer could be as easy as opting to get outside for a bit.
The Perks of Fresh Air
Interestingly enough, a survey conducted by L.L.Bean in 2018 found that 75% of indoor workers rarely or never took the time to work outside. The survey found more than half of indoor workers (57%) spent less than 30 minutes outside during the workday. Understandably, that same survey found 42% of indoor workers reported that weather was the biggest barrier to spending time outdoors.
There are many perks to encouraging employees to spend some time outside. According to Forbes, five science-backed benefits of enjoying our natural surroundings that can improve employee well-being include:
- Increased happiness;
- Reduced inflammation;
- More energy;
- Improved memory; and
- Stress relief.
Certainly, everyone has heard that physical activity can relieve stress. Getting up and moving throughout the day, using standing desks, and taking stretching breaks are all great ideas for lowering employees’ stress levels inside the workplace. But what about outside?
Outdoor Opportunities at the Workplace
Undoubtedly, the feasibility of our recommendations will depend on your building location and layout, financial feasibility, or similar factors. If possible, however, consider providing the following options to employees:
- Patio areas. To be most beneficial, workplace patio areas should be equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, tables, chairs, and umbrellas.
- Patio meetings. Instead of reserving a conference room, consider the option of reserving a patio area for meetings.
- Walking meetings. Need a quick status meeting with your team? Consider putting your ideas into motion while walking around the block.
- Outside lunch meetings. Department meeting at noon on a sunny 60-degree day? Give participants the option of conducting it outside.
Outdoor Programs Outside the Workplace
In addition to providing outdoor opportunities at the workplace, consider promoting outdoor recreation in nearby areas to your employees. Encourage them to explore the mountains and run the rivers—and, perhaps as an added perk, support local businesses and organizations while they do it!
There are currently 58 national and countless state parks as well as multiple national rivers, trails, and recreation areas nestled within most areas. Visit here to find a state park near your office.
Bottom Line
It’s inevitable that employees will experience work-related stress. However, you can avoid some of the financial and productivity-related effects of that stress at little to no cost to your company. As nicer weather approaches, consider implementing or suggesting outdoor programs for your employees to take part in.
Charlee Fox is an Associate at Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC. and contributes to the West Virginia Employment Law Letter. She can be contacted at charlee.fox@steptoe-johnson.com.