The Gallup 2023 State of the Global Workplace finds that nearly 6 in 10 workers are “Quiet Quitting” at work, meaning more than half of the workforce is only willing to do the bare minimum. Gallup estimates that this low employee engagement costs the world’s economy $8.8 trillion— 9% of the global GDP. As leaders continue to navigate an uncertain economic outlook, it is critical to consider the root causes of these trends. 

One explanation would be soaring employee stress levels. Gallup Workplace ’s research found that employee stress is at an all-time high. When asked about how much stress they experienced the previous day, 44% of employees reported experiencing “a lot of stress.” Employee stress has risen consistently for over a decade, hitting an all-time high during the pandemic. 

Research by Management Science found that U.S. companies with high levels of workplace stressors may contribute to more than 120,000 deaths yearly, making up 5-8% of annual healthcare costs. The same research shows many of these workplace stressors are due to how workers are managed. 

The most commonly reported causes of stress and burnout at work are unfair treatment, unmanageable workload, lack of role clarity, and lack of communication and support from managers. Employee stress, burnout and low engagement all have the same root cause— poor management. Crestcom International knows that strong leadership skills are the key to improving workplace engagement and well-being. 

How Can Leaders Make Work Less Stressful? 

If excessive stress is leading to low engagement and “quiet quitting,” it makes sense for organizations to look for ways to reduce stressors in the workplace. Stress can lead to mental and physical health problems. It impairs creativity and strategic thinking, increases employee absences, and slows productivity. With employee stress levels at an all-time high, leaders must take action. 

Offer Health and Wellness Programs

One approach to reduce stress is to offer workplace wellness benefits. Perks like gym memberships or other health programs are a great place to start. However, employees often don’t know about them or don’t feel like they have time to take advantage of them. Leaders must ensure that employees are aware of these benefits and encourage their use. 

Create a Healthy Workplace Environment

A more immediate approach to improve employee well-being and reduce stress is to create a healthy workplace environment. For example, companies should provide easy access to water and healthy snacks. They can also ensure that workstations are ergonomic and prioritize safety and comfort throughout the workplace. 

Many employees feel pressured to be online or at their desks at all times. While you might think that would increase productivity, it ultimately harms performance and can lead to burnout. Encourage employees to step away from their desks for breaks throughout the day. The human brain can only focus for 90-120 minutes before it needs rest, so taking breaks is a good idea, especially when working on challenging tasks or sitting in a long meeting. Managers can lead by example, inviting employees to join them for a short walk or to take a few moments to stand and stretch.  

Focus on Psychological Safety

Another crucial aspect of employee well-being is their psychological safety. When employees feel able to speak up, take risks and make mistakes without fearing negative consequences, they are more likely to thrive in their jobs. No one does their best work if they fear embarrassment, getting in trouble or losing their jobs. It is a leader’s job to create a psychologically safe environment. To do this, leaders should always: 

• Establish clear expectations and behavioral norms.
• Encourage employees to speak up.
• Practice active listening. 
• Show appreciation for employees. 
• Ensure employees feel supported.  
• Admit their own mistakes. 

Embrace Flexible Work Arrangements

Trying to achieve a work-life balance is challenging under the best circumstances. One way to support employee well-being is to offer flexible work arrangements. While this looks different in every industry, letting employees have a say in when, where or how work gets done will empower them and increase employee engagement. 

Develop Leadership Skills 

Creating a culture of well-being starts at the top. Do your managers have the skills they need to support employee well-being? To create a positive workplace culture and increase employee engagement, leaders need to be highly skilled in: 

• Communication
• Emotional Intelligence
• Conflict Management
• Productivity & Time Management
• Delegation
• Accountability
• Building Trust

Providing leadership development opportunities will not only improve performance but also support employee well-being. Encouraging personal and professional growth is essential to employee engagement. Investing in an employee’s development can make them feel supported and empowered. Great leaders are made, not born. Developing strong leadership skills will drive great results throughout the entire organization.  

Want to Learn More? 

Crestcom offers a wealth of resources for leaders at all levels. To learn more about the link between employee well-being and employee engagement, be sure to download Crestcom’s recently released ebook, Prioritizing Employee Well-Being to Elevate Engagement . It is a free resource for any leader wanting to delve deeper into how and why focusing on well-being is critical to improving engagement and productivity.