In today’s fast-paced business world, stress in the workplace is more prevalent than ever. A recent Gallup survey revealed a startling trend: 44% of employees experience high levels of stress at work, a figure that has been steadily climbing over the past decade.
With a growing awareness around the threat of burnout and the impact of stress, supported by initiatives such as National Stress Awareness Month (April in the U.S.) and International Stress Awareness Week (October/November), we are now shining a brighter light on this escalating issue and exploring innovative solutions to combat this challenge in the workplace.
Tackling Workplace Stress
One such solution comes from Cameron Yarbrough, co-founder and CEO of Torch, who brings a unique blend of clinical, operational, and mindfulness expertise to the table. Yarbrough introduces the concept of “moments that matter” in the workplace, a philosophy that recognizes the profound impact of significant life transitions on employees.
These transitions, whether they are personal milestones like the birth of a child, challenging periods such as going through a divorce, or professional shifts like becoming a new manager, can profoundly affect an individual’s performance and confidence.
Yarbrough emphasizes that these are not just dates on an HR calendar; they are pivotal moments in an employee’s life that demand new skills and introduce uncertainty and stress.
The Role of Coaching
The role of coaching in these scenarios cannot be overstated. Providing coaching to employees during these critical moments does more than just equip them with new skills; it signals that the organization is committed to their growth and well-being. “Many of these moments involve issues that the employee will want to keep private, so a company should establish access to coaching without asking questions,” Yarbrough advises.
This approach is not just about supporting employees through tough times; it’s about fostering a culture of care and understanding. Such a culture helps employees feel less isolated during personal crises and major life changes. It also provides an emotional safety net during tumultuous global events, which can add to the stress and anxiety employees face.
Yarbrough’s perspective is a call to action for businesses to recognize and support these “moments that matter.” It’s not just about avoiding discrimination in what constitutes a significant moment but about creating structures that genuinely bring humanity to the forefront of the workplace experience.
As we navigate through an era of heightened workplace stress, businesses need to adopt a more empathetic and supportive approach to employee relations and management. Recognizing and aiding employees through significant life transitions is not just a matter of good business practice, it’s the hallmark of caring and responsible employers.
By embracing the human side of business and providing necessary support during these “moments that matter,” companies can foster a more productive, engaged, and loyal employees.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.