Stress Awareness Day is coming up on the 6th of November, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show your team that you care. The best businesses aim to support their employees all year round, but why not go the extra mile this November.
It’s no secret that a little attention to mental health can go a long way toward creating a happier, more engaged, and more productive workplace. So, here are some effective stress-relief tips and tricks you can use to show your team that you’ve got their back.
Organise a Relaxation Workshop
Helping your team to manage their stress can be a great starting point to building a happier, healthier workplace. Stress Awareness Day is a great opportunity to welcome some relaxation experts into your office. A guided relaxation session or a mindfulness workshop, for example, can help your team to unwind and refocus, and it doesn’t have to take too long. Why not try out some guided meditation, yoga, or breathwork sessions to give your team valuable tools to manage stress?
Create a Stress-Free or Relaxed Zone in Your Workplace
Sometimes, we all need a space to escape the hustle and bustle. If you work in an office, create a designated “Stress-Free Zone” where employees can retreat for a few minutes of quiet in the middle of a busy day. Fill this space with comfy chairs, soft lighting, and maybe even a few calming items like plants or soothing music. This is a great way to help with workplace anxiety.
If your team is remote, encourage employees to create their own relaxation corner at home to take a few moments of calm between calls. It’s a small touch, but could end up making a big difference to your team’s happiness, and therefore their productivity and output. It’s a small gesture but it shows your team that you care.
Share Mental Health Resources
Stress Awareness Day is the perfect opportunity to make sure your team has access to all the resources they need. This might mean sending out information about your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), local mental health services, or online resources like stress management apps.
And for those who could use a tangible reminder of your support, why not surprise them with a thoughtful wellness gift? Our Mindfulness Gift is designed to help employees take time for themselves, complete with stress-relief tools like aromatherapy and calming teas.
Encourage Regular Breaks
We all know how easy it is to get caught up in back-to-back meetings and forget to take breaks. Stress Awareness Day is a great time to remind your team about the importance of stepping away from the screen. Encourage your employees to take short breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a five-minute walk or some light stretching.
Better yet, why not set up a “movement challenge” for the day, encouraging everyone to take a walk during their lunch break or do a quick stretching session together? Taking five or ten minutes outside and in daylight is even more important as we approach the darker, colder months. Small actions like these can make a huge difference in reducing stress levels and refreshing the mind.
Host a Virtual Coffee Break
If your team is working remotely, a virtual coffee break is a simple way to create a connection and lighten the mood. Schedule a 15-minute video call where employees can chat about non-work-related topics and catch up, just like they would in the office kitchen.
Take this opportunity to send a little care package beforehand! Our Health Snack Boxes make a perfect addition to a virtual coffee break, filled with treats and items that remind your team to take a pause.
Promote a Culture of Open Conversations
One of the best ways to help employees manage stress is by fostering a culture where it’s okay to talk about it. On Stress Awareness Day, why not host a team chat where employees can share their own stress-beating tips, or even invite a speaker to discuss mental health openly.
Let your team know it’s okay to speak up if they’re feeling overwhelmed and encourage managers to regularly check in on their team’s wellbeing. This approach will go a long way when it comes to reducing the stigma around burnout and creating a supportive work environment.
Show Appreciation with Thoughtful Gifts
Recognising Stress Awareness Day is not just about acknowledging the challenges your team might be facing day to day, but also about encouraging you to show appreciation for your team’s efforts every day. A small token of appreciation can remind employees that they’re valued.
Consider sending out WellBox’s Health and Wellbeing Gifts as a surprise treat. From relaxation-themed hampers to energy-boosting snacks, these gifts are a great way to show you care while encouraging your team to take time for themselves.
Remind Your Team About the Importance of Sleep
Sleep is one of the best defences against stress. On Stress Awareness Day, share some tips on better sleep hygiene with your team. This could be a simple infographic in the company newsletter or even a quick “Sleep Well” webinar.
And if you want to take it a step further, treat your team to our Zen Gift Hamper. It’s packed with items that promote restful sleep, like soothing teas and sleep masks – perfect for helping employees recharge.
Make Stress Awareness Day Count
Stress Awareness Day is a great reminder to prioritise employee wellbeing. It’s also a chance to kick-start ongoing efforts to support your team’s mental health. Small actions can make a huge impact on reducing stress and creating a happier, more engaged, and more productive workforce.
If you’re looking for more ways to show your team you care, explore our range of Health and Mental Wellbeing Gifts. Let’s work together to make stress management a priority – on Stress Awareness Day and every other day.
By focusing on these simple yet effective ideas, you’ll help reduce workplace stress and show your team that their wellbeing truly matters. After all, a happy team is a productive team!
