How to take care of someone suffering from stress

Despite increasing awareness of stress prevention and management in recent years, national health data shows that mental well-being continues to decline. Research also confirms that the sooner stress symptoms are addressed, the better the outcomes.

Practical Ways to Support Employees

• Clarify tasks and expectations – Help your employee gain a full overview of their workload. Set clear expectations and create a realistic plan. Some employees benefit from structured work schedules, with specific tasks assigned to set time slots.
  
• Prioritize and break down tasks – Schedule regular check-ins to review priorities. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable steps makes them easier to handle.
• Minimize distractions – Agree on specific time slots when employees should not be disturbed, and communicate availability clearly within the team. Delegate tasks where necessary.
• Allow flexibility for unforeseen tasks – Plan for scheduled work to occupy no more than 60% of the workday, leaving room for unexpected assignments.
• Encourage focus – Where possible, create conditions that allow employees to complete one task at a time before moving on to the next, improving concentration and reducing distractions.
• End-of-day planning – Encourage employees to set aside time at the end of the workday to plan for the next day. This supports a clear separation between work and personal time. If tasks must be taken home, set clear guidelines.
• Prioritize breaks – Encourage employees to take short breaks during the day, whether it’s a walk, a chat with a colleague, or a moment of meditation. Alternating between lighter and more demanding tasks can also help maintain balance.
• Promote physical activity – Research shows that low to moderate-intensity exercise can reduce stress levels. Studies also confirm that meditation and mindfulness positively impact stress symptoms. Many employees also benefit from breathing exercises.

By fostering a supportive and structured work environment, you can help employees manage stress more effectively, enhancing both their well-being and productivity.

Work-related stress can be difficult to handle alone, and as a leader, you play a crucial role. Understanding stress is essential—it is a state of strain caused by an imbalance between demands and resources. Recognizing stress symptoms and maintaining clear communication with your team are key to effective stress management.