April is Stress Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the huge connections between stress and the workplace.
In our organisations, we can strive to create a positive, stress-free environment, but it can so often feel like we’re spinning plates, and we’ll never be perfect. Our workplaces are (or we hope them to be) a magical concoction of people, personalities, and experiences, but sometimes it’s those exact things that can cause worry, friction or stress. Of course, we all hope for less of the latter.
Let’s face it: work can sometimes, or often, actually, feel like a never-ending series of deadlines, meetings, and challenges. But what if we told you that engaging and recognising employees could be the secret to reducing stress and boosting overall well-being?
So, let’s dive into why employee engagement isn’t just a buzzword – it’s one of the keys to a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.
As an employee recognition programme in the game for almost 30 years, we’ve seen time and time again the incredibly positive impact that employee engagement can have on the people that we work with, both in this context and in so many other ways, too.
It seems like an absolute no-brainer that engaged employees are less likely to experience stress and burnout – and there’s plenty of research to show a strong link! Nectar’s research shows that nearly 84% of employees feel recognition affects their motivation to succeed at work. This heightened engagement can help to act as a buffer for burnout by maintaining motivation and commitment to their managers, roles and workplaces.
What’s the link between stress and employee engagement?
Employee engagement is all about making employees feel connected to their work, valued, motivated and proud of the things that they achieve. Employees who feel engaged are more likely to be satisfied with their roles, less stressed, and more productive. Think of it as the workplace equivalent of a “feel-good boost” (more on this in a second). When employees are recognised for their hard work and contributions, they feel appreciated, and this boosts their morale and their sense of purpose and inspires them to be their best time and time again. It’s a positive loop!
Studies tell us that the the key structure of the reward pathway is the ventral tegmental area (that’s in our brains). When we receive a compliment, this area of the brain becomes more active as it releases dopamine — a neurotransmitter that takes the leading role in positive emotions, motivation, and the learning process. This shows a measurable increase in dopamine activity in response to praise, highlighting the biological basis for the motivational impact of recognition. It’s a proven boost of ‘happy’!
On the flip side, a lack of recognition, feeling undervalued, or unclear expectations can pile on the stress. Stress becomes inevitable when employees feel disconnected, unsupported, or like they’re unable to be their true selves. That’s where engagement comes in – it’s the antidote to workplace stress!
Stress Be Gone: How Recognition Helps
Boosting morale
When employees feel acknowledged and celebrated, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. A simple “thank you” or a genuine note of appreciation can work wonders in easing stress. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or ‘fancy’—it just has to be meaningful.
Creating a supportive environment
Employee recognition fosters a culture of appreciation. It promotes teamwork and support, helping employees feel they’re not alone in facing challenges – something that’s so important in creating a place of psychological safety; and this goes such a long way in doing that.
Encouraging a work-life balance
Recognising hard work and giving employees the flexibility to recharge means they’ll be less stressed and more focused when they’re back at work. Happy employees lead to a happier workplace, which in turn can so often lead to a happier bottom line.
Improving productivity
Stress isn’t just about feeling overwhelmed; it can also be a productivity killer. Engaged employees are more likely to stay focused, meet deadlines, and contribute to team goals. Plus, when they feel recognised, they’ll be even more motivated to bring their very best selves to work, and their most crazy (but maybe their most genius) ideas, as they know they’ll be heard and appreciated.
The Takeaway
Stress Awareness Month is a great reminder of the small (but mighty) ways we can help contribute to the alleviation of stress factors in people’s lives. Many of us spend so much time at work, and it can be a big piece of the anxiety puzzle. It’s evident that fostering employee engagement significantly contributes to people’s overall mental well-being… we hold a lot of power and we need to be sure we’re doing our best to create a culture where employees feel appreciated and supported because by doing it right we can help to reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, and build teams that thrive.
So, let’s celebrate our employees, sprinkle some fun into the workday, and aim to make stress the last thing on everyone’s mind – even just for a moment.
Ready to reduce stress and boost engagement?
Get in touch – we’re so excited to help you harness the power of ‘thank you’.