Workplace Stress and Employee Retainment

With almost 50% of American workers looking for new jobs, employers are anxiously seeking ways to retain valued employees. From toxic work environments to unrealistic expectations to managers who are disconnected from their staff, employers are facing factors that impact performance and job satisfaction. According to the recent study Mind in the Workplace 2022 Report from Mental Health America, a key focus could be actively reducing workplace stress. 

The 2022 study reports that employees in unhealthy workplaces are more likely to seek out other professional opportunities. In 2018, 40% of all surveyed employees said they spent time looking for a new position, which increased to 58% in 2022. In addition, 71% of employees reported that they are having a tough time concentrating on work. With workplace stress seeping into relationships with co-workers, family, and friends, it has become clear that we are a nation of stressed-out people. 

With retainment challenges at the forefront of many HR divisions, emphasizing alleviating workplace stress could help increase retainment. The Mental Health America study found that companies that invested in developing supportive managers contributed to an overall healthier workplace. Managers who set expectations for employees to use their PTO contributed to an overall healthy workplace.  

Solutions for employers seeking ways to decrease workplace stress include the following: 

• Recognize that stress and mental health are part of employees’ general health. Devote time, money, and additional resources to making mental health and well-being a top organizational priority. 
• Provide ongoing training for managers about mental health and creating positive and supportive work environments. Encourage managers to work on their relationships with staff around communications related to workload levels and encourage the use of paid time off.  
• Empower employees to use health benefits for mental health needs.   

More information about workplace stress and recommendations for employers.