From too much workload to toxic colleagues to lack of work life balance, there’s an extensive range of possible reasons for why your team could be experiencing workplace stress. And because it’s affecting their health as well as their performance, it’s only imperative that you look into the reasons behind their stress and find ways to combat it.

Overwhelming workload
One of the top contributors to workplace stress is a busy and overwhelming workload. Who wouldn’t be stressed when your tasks keep on piling up when you already have too much on your plate? Long work hours are, at times, not even enough to get everything done. At the end of the day, your team members are already tired and exhausted but there’s nothing much they can do.

And as a leader, there is something YOU can do. Encourage an open communication within your team and let them come to you if they feel overwhelmed with tasks. This way, you are mitigating not only workplace stress but the possibility of burnout.

Job uncertainty
We all want career stability and if we don’t get that from the companies or organizations we work for, we start to stress about it. And this is inevitable when there is uncertainty. To help make your employees feel more secure about their job, what you can do as a leader is to consistently and constantly calling out potential fears.

Lack of work-life balance
Even adults need adequate time for play or they’ll end up finding themselves getting burnt out. However, with the convenience of having technology at the tips of our fingertips, it’s become even more difficult to put a line between work life and personal life. As a result, employees end up feeling more stressed.

You may not have a direct control over how your employees would ensure work life balance but as a leader, you can encourage them to maximize their time off and vacation days. As much as possible, avoid reaching out to them about any work-related stuff unless it’s extremely urgent.

Lack of teamwork
A work environment with camaraderie, teamwork and harmonious working relationships is less stressful. This is because this means less conflicts, less misunderstanding and more connection and teamwork. Make it one of your top priorities to cultivate good relationships among your team, both within and outside the office. Make time for team building activities and other activities that will allow you to get to know each other better.

Workplace stress may be inevitable but as a leader, there are many things you can do to combat it and make sure it doesn’t impact you and your team’s performance and contribution to the organization.