Reducing Stress in Any Work Culture

Best Practices on How to Reduce Stress in Any Work Culture

Written By: Debbie Jung

In any work environment, minimizing stress is crucial. The daily demands of life can be overwhelmingly challenging, with constant requests, deadlines, and goals to meet. In an ever-changing world where employees strive for perfection, effectively managing stress is essential for achieving outstanding results in both your professional and personal life. It is important to recognize that suppressing stress can potentially result in serious health issues down the line. Building healthy habits now is far more beneficial than having to change your lifestyle later, as excessive stress can lead to job burnout.  

5 Common Ways to Reduce Stress

1. Take Regular 5–10-minute Breaks

Intentionally planning your breaks into your calendar will provide a clearer mind, whether it's going for a walk outside or meditating without distractions. The best ideas often come when we allow our minds to wander freely. 

2. Make Prioritized To-do Lists

Set clear expectations for your day by creating personalized to-do lists. Unclear requirements and expectations can result in disorganization, stress, and job burnout. Write down all the tasks you need to complete and prioritize them based on deadlines. If you still require clarification about your responsibilities, be transparent and communicate with your supervisor. They are there not just to provide answers but to guide you in the right direction.

3. Minimize Workplace Conflict

Conflict within the workplace can lead to significant stress. While disputes may be unavoidable at times, there are steps that can be taken to minimize them. Engaging in workplace conflicts can consume your mind and hinder productivity, not just for yourself but also for those around you. It is important to refrain from gossiping or sharing excessive personal opinions, such as those related to politics or religion, as they can lead to harmful assumptions and further conflicts. Instead, prioritize building trust with your colleagues and fostering positive relationships, as everyone at your company shares a common goal. 

4. Cultivate a Can-Do Mindset

Words hold immense power, so use positive self-reinforcements as you would to a loved one. By filling your mind with positive affirmations, your attitude can change from “I can’t do this” or “this is impossible” to “I am capable of overcoming these challenges” and “I am ready to grow from this opportunity”. Starting with a can-do mindset can unlock your potential and lead to results you never thought possible.  

5. Plan Ahead to Relax

Make the most of both your work time and your vacation time! Plan your vacations in advance so that you always have something to look forward to. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to make time for relaxation. By scheduling your vacations ahead of time, you can reduce stress for yourself and, in turn, for your team. The earlier you schedule your time off, the better your supervisor and colleagues can plan around it. Remember, companies provide time off for you to enjoy, so use it wisely. 

Never Forget Your "Why"

What is your "why"? In other words, what are the reasons why you get out of bed and go to work? It could be for personal development, the love you have for your family, or the pursuit of financial freedom. Whatever the reasons may be, focusing on your core values or your "why" and aligning them with your company's values will bring clarity and alignment. 

At Mercury, we prioritize the well-being of our people, which is why we have eight holidays and three floating days to accommodate special occasions. Not to mention, we also celebrate our employees’ birthdays by giving them a day off! Building a world-class team requires a positive work culture, and we are always grateful for our client-obsessed employees who contribute to promoting a stress-free environment.