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In the short term, “good” stress can help focus and energize employees. But a variety of business studies indicate that chronic job-related anxiety and deadline pressures can hamper performance and creativity, increase turnover, and decrease employees’ motivation and engagement in their work. These effects may be exacerbated when stressful conditions and staff efforts are not acknowledged by managers.
To help alleviate stress that may arise in major projects,
Kim Withers, CEO of Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union, offers these suggestions:
- Prominently display a “progress thermometer” to recognize advancement toward successful completion.
- Build in opportunities to relax and socialize by ordering in “mile-long” subs, a taco bar, breakfast at work, or a build-your-own-sundae or season-your-own-popcorn treat.
- Host a bowling or mini-golf outing as a break.
- Bring in a zumba, karate, or yoga instructor for half-hour sessions.
- Declare a flip-flop or tennis shoe day.
- Observe themed days of the week such as “Who’s Who? Wednesdays,” to celebrate individual or team success, and “Fun Fridays,” with weekend casual wear and balloon pops for prizes.
- Set up jigsaw puzzles in the breakroom.
- Host a gift card exchange in which employees receive and then can exchange with each other cards for different stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Offer paid time off when the big project is completed.
Withers recommends offering a variety of de-stress activities to widen the likely appeal. “What works for one employee may inadvertently add to another’s stress levels,” she cautions.
