Stress has always been a part of the workplace, but recently, several studies have brought the concern back into the spotlight as an area for employers to focus on for improved employee productivity. As a fast-growing economy with increasing competition, work related stress will grow to be less acceptable at Indian organizations as millennials and generation Z take over.

While superfluous attempts at improving organisational culture can result in temporary feel-goods, the issue should be tackled by building a culture that makes employee work-life balance not only a priority but also a reality.

The business case for organizational intervention towards stress management is strong; with it impacting both, return on investment as well as value on investment. According to recent research by SHRM, the total organizational productivity loss, when traced back to stress, can be as high as 105.48 Cr per year, depending on the sector. It would be worthwhile for organizations to invest in the holistic health and wellness of employees, with a focus on identifying stressors and minimizing stress levels.

There is much that should be done by organizations by way of intervention, but the individual employee also has the power to affect change in his or her own life. As challenging as it is to handle ongoing stressful situations at the workplace, we are often to blame by slipping into unproductive habits and over time, becoming too comfortable with them. Once these habits set in, it becomes difficult to break the patterns we have already established. It would make sense to consider a holistic solution for tackling our approach to stress. By identifying our inefficiencies and committing to new work habits, we can become more productive and gain mastery over management of our time, organizing skills and attitude.

· Connect: Stressful work days can make one can become so self-focused that we tune out our co-workers, which can add to an overall feeling of isolation and stress at work. It’s advisable, from a stress standpoint, to reach out and greet others, learn their names and perhaps even make friends while doing so.

· Let things go: Sometimes we need to relax and accept that things aren’t going to turn out perfect. If you feel as though a particular situation is causing you too much stress, consider: “Should I just let it go?”

· Appreciate others: Disagreements aren’t all bad. Differences in opinions, backgrounds, perspectives and styles are what make the workplace interesting and vibrant. If everyone were the same, work would be pretty boring. Work on appreciating the unique strengths and opinions of others, even if they differ from your own.

· Live in day tight compartments: As Dale Carnegie once said, “Much of our worry comes from events that have either already occurred, or that may or may not occur in the future. Relatively little of our day to day work stress stems from the activities of that day. We need to seal off the past and the future. We can be content to live the only time we possibly can – today.” By living in “day-tight compartments” we can channel all of our energy, motivation and skills into promptly accomplishing tasks while utilizing our abilities optimally.

· Ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?" There's a simple three-step technique that can help when you're besieged by personal or professional worries. First, ask yourself what's the worst that could possibly happen. Second, prepare to accept the worst. Finally, figure out how to improve upon the worst, should it come to be.

Stress can be managed with the right approach. There are situations that disrupt our daily flow and upset the normalcy we need, but we must remember that we have the power to change our situations. As Mr. Carnegie said in, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, “Have a deep, driving desire to learn, and a vigorous determination to stop worrying and start living!”

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