10 ways to reduce stress at work

Most businesses and their employees continue to rely on hybrid or home offices. Such formats enable worldwide cooperation and continuous improvement of productivity. 

However, these benefits only apply to professional environments that are organized in a way that minimizes stress. 

In this article, we’ll explore ways to reduce stress, improve work-life balance, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned office worker or a star of the work-from-home scene, these tips will help you stay healthy and happy while building your career. 

Workplace stress in 2024: Statistics

Do you know how many people face workplace stress? Feel Good Recruitment Insights Report gives data about:

• 86% of workers experiencing some level of work stress, which may lead to chronic stress
• 18% of workers with extremely high levels of workplace stress, which is 10% increase compared to the previous year and illustrates a kind of tension rise

Of course, these indicators don’t stand alone in terms of productivity. According to a 2024 research by Harris Poll, 35% of employees admitted the impact of mental health as the leading performance factor.

Among stressful situations, workplace stress significantly impacts the mental state of society, levels of exhaustion, and burnout. 

Even low grade frustration may accumulate causing sleep problems, impact on heart health, physical health, and overall well-being.

In this year’s study of the work environment in the US, the American Psychological Association reports soothing workspace as one of the leading factors in employee stress reduction.

While stressful elements can’t be completely avoided, the skills of stress management become increasingly competitive. How can businesses encourage employees to organize their work better and reduce stress levels?

Workspace format in 2024: office, home, or hybrid?

Let’s discuss the possibilities offered by employers in terms of work organization. Forbes states that in the post-pandemic world, we have the following trends:

• 98% of workers want to work remotely at least some of the time
• 93% of employers plan to continue conducting job interviews remotely
• 16% of companies operate fully remote

What can business owners do to create a sustainable and supportive work environment?

Conditions for the most effective work in remote and hybrid environments include:

• comprehensive onboarding and team building processes encouraging employees, especially the newcomers, to keep in touch and be aware of all the work’s aspects
• flexible work schedules
• comprehensive health insurance packages
• lending equipment for work allowing employees to integrate into processes with all technical means seamlessly.

The situations where an employer sponsored wellness resources as a part of benefits package for the team are also a positive trend.

Are we still up to working from home? 

Despite the increased flexibility that comes with remote work, many employees have reported experiencing negative effects such as burnout, workplace stress, and other challenges.These include a lack of separation between work and leisure time, a reduced opportunity for human interaction leading to misunderstandings between team members, multiple distractions, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Paying special attention to the remote and hybrid formats isn’t a new idea. Let’s observe ways to boost productivity, relieve stress and make remote and/or hybrid work a pleasant experience.

10 tips to reduce stress while working in hybrid or remote format

1. Leverage automation wherever possible

Embracing the power of workflow automation tools is crucial for stress management, optimizing productivity and efficiency in a hybrid workplace or remote work setup.

By incorporating workflow automation tools into your daily routine, you can streamline and accelerate various processes, ensuring seamless task management and collaboration. These tools enable you to:

• automate repetitive tasks, 
• assign and track project progress, 
• centralize communication channels,
• enhance productivity
• reduce errors. 

Workflow automation ensures better visibility and transparency, allowing remote teams to stay aligned and informed, regardless of their physical locations. 

By harnessing the capabilities of workflow automation tools and eSignature, you can effectively navigate the complexities of a hybrid or remote work environment, boost productivity, and ensure smooth workflows and successful project outcomes.

Take note: Automation courses by the airSlate Academy are available completely free of charge. These courses are designed to give you the necessary skills to start a new career, demonstrate career growth, or implement a new high-tech solution in your workplace. 

2. Plan, schedule, and distribute different kinds of work 

Automated repetitive tasks already optimized your workflow? Here’s another step to lower the level of stress at work for the hybrid format. Some tasks are easier to perform from your cozy home environment with your personal rituals of productivity.

However, team meetings and other work items requiring collaboration are more suitable to perform from the office as your main and common physical workspace. 

At the office, you are minimizing stimulating activities besides work and remain concentrated. In this way, you’ll be able to develop healthy responses to the workload.

Create an organizational plan for each forthcoming week to organize your processes as efficiently and conveniently as possible. The combination of concentrated attention to tasks and communication with the team will decrease stress at work, and beneficially impact the quality and productivity.

3. Establish boundaries

A schedule is a crucial aspect of establishing clear boundaries between your work and home life. Consequently, with a schedule, you’ll reduce workplace stress level. It can be tempting to work outside of traditional office hours, especially if you’re trying to catch up on work or meet tight deadlines.

Establishing a routine and sticking to it can help you create a sense of structure and routine in your workday, which can help improve focus and productivity and, as a result, effectively fight stress.

In addition to defining work hours, it can be helpful to establish a pre-work routine to help you mentally prepare for the day ahead. This might include exercise, meditation, or journaling, where each is a significant source of energy helping you feel more focused throughout the day.

4. Create a dedicated workspace

To establish a productive work-from-home environment, it’s crucial to set up a dedicated workspace that is entirely separate from your personal life. Working from home is not the same as living at the office!

This separation creates psychological boundaries and enhances focus, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in work when needed and switch off when you’re done.

But don’t forget to add a bit of customization to your office, as it’ll make you feel more relaxed. You won’t have an uncomfortable chair, and your daily life won’t include daily stress as a mandatory ingredient.

For example, you can use Picsart’s background changer to edit photos you want to print out and frame around your space. Or, you could add figures or toys around your desk as long as they aren’t too distracting!

By physically separating your workspace from your personal life, you create a mental distinction between the two, reducing distractions and making it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Your dedicated workspace acts as a signal to your brain that it’s time to work, improving productivity and enabling you to disconnect from work during your personal time.

5. Take regular breaks

Working from both office or home, it’s common to get engrossed in tasks and forget to give yourself much-needed breaks. However, it’s vital to prioritize your well-being by incorporating not only one afternoon break, but more regular breaks into your daily routine. 

Taking breaks to sit at an outdoor bench for even a couple of minutes allows you to rest and recharge both your mind and body, boosting productivity and preventing burnout.

Here are examples of simple breaks that not only help maintain focus but also improve creativity and overall work quality:

1. Step away from your workspace.
2. Stretch your legs. 
3. Hydrate: choose between drinking some water or making tea.
4. Take some deep breaths, or close your eyes for a minute. 
5. Engage in activities that improve your mental health state. 

By consciously scheduling and embracing breaks, you enhance your ability to sustain optimal performance throughout the day even with heavy workload.

However, coffee breaks aren’t so good: you should reduce caffeine intake late in the working hours to manage good sleep and improve your physical health.

6. Exercise and stay physically active

Regular exercise and physical activity help manage stress and boost energy levels. Creating rituals of physical exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which help alleviate stress at work, lower high blood pressure, and improve mood. 

It also promotes better sleep, which further enhances overall well-being. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and productivity.

Whether it’s a brisk walk, a home workout, or a yoga session, or even switching to standing desks as dedicating time to move your body provides a refreshing break from work stress and stimulates mental clarity. 

By prioritizing regular exercise and other healthy choices and incorporating it into your routine, you can effectively manage stress, increase your energy levels, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

7. Stay connected

Working from home or in a hybrid workplace can sometimes feel isolating, with limited opportunities for in-person interactions. It’s essential to prioritize staying connected with colleagues, to encourage open communication in the team and friends to combat this sense of isolation.

Leverage the power of video conferencing tools to have regular catch-ups and chats. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or informal video calls together with other elements of communication help maintain social connections and discuss non-work-related topics.

Engaging in virtual team activities or joining online communities within your industry can also foster connections and provide a sense of camaraderie. 

By actively seeking opportunities to connect with others through technology, you can overcome the isolation of remote work, boost morale, and nurture relationships that are essential for collaboration, support, and overall well-being.

8. Seek support at the office or online

Maintaining strong connections and seeking support from trusted colleagues, friends, or support networks is essential in a hybrid workplace. 

Actively reach out to these individuals to overcome communication barriers, engage in open conversations about work-related challenges, seeking advice or guidance when needed.

Sharing your experiences, concerns, and successes with others can provide valuable insights, fresh perspectives, and emotional support. 

You can also ask mental health professionals for professional assistance in a chat or as an open conversation. There even may be a kind of psychological safety net for extremely difficult situations.

Whether it’s through virtual coffee chats, informal discussions, or joining professional communities, actively cultivating these connections nurtures a sense of belonging, combats feelings of isolation, and fosters a supportive network that understands the unique dynamics of a hybrid work environment.

 Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength, and leveraging these relationships can contribute significantly to improving your health conditions and resilience in the face of challenges.

9. Regularly evaluate and prioritize

Regularly assessing your workload, priorities, and well-being is crucial to prevent burnout and achieve a healthy work-life integration in a hybrid workplace. Take the time to reflect on your current responsibilities, meaningful tasks, deadlines, and overall workload.

Implement practices of time management into your professional life. Assess whether it aligns with your capacity and consider any adjustments that may be necessary, such as delegating tasks or renegotiating deadlines. Additionally, evaluate your well-being by checking in with your physical and mental health. 

Are you getting enough rest, exercise, and leisure time? Making adjustments to prioritize self-care and ensuring a healthy balance are two more ways to reduce workplace stress.

Remember, by regularly assessing and making necessary adjustments, you proactively protect your well-being, manage stress levels, and maintain a sustainable and fulfilling work-life integration.

10. Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is an essential practice to maintain your emotional health, prevent burnout, and foster success in a hybrid workplace. 

Take the time to assess the scope and feasibility of your tasks, considering factors such as available necessary resources, time constraints, and your own capabilities.

By setting realistic goals, you create a sense of focus and direction, allowing you to prioritize effectively and avoid overwhelming yourself with an excessive workload.

Break down larger objectives into smaller, achievable milestones, celebrating each accomplishment along the way. This approach not only helps manage expectations but also promotes a sense of accomplishment, motivation, and sustained productivity. 

By setting realistic goals, you can navigate the hybrid work environment with greater confidence and reduce the risk of burnout while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

In a nutshell

In the era of remote and hybrid work, prioritizing your well-being is paramount. By implementing these practical tips, you can navigate the challenges, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and prevent burnout. 

Remember, taking care of yourself is not only essential for your productivity but also for your overall happiness and success in this new work landscape.

At SignNow, we’re transforming the workspace that promotes employee well being towards digitization requirements, environmental protection, and employee needs.

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