Managing stress in the workplace: 7 strategies for improving productivity and wellbeing
In today’s fast-paced work environment, stress has become a common challenge for many employees and business owners. It has been coined the health epidemic of the 21st century.
The Burnout Report 2025 by Mental Health UK found that 34% of adults experience high or extreme levels of stress frequently.
While a certain level of stress can be motivating, excessive stress can lead to burnout and have a negative impact on productivity and overall wellbeing.
Below, I will identify 5 common causes of workplace stress and 7 practical strategies to help improve productivity and wellbeing:
5 common causes of workplace stress
- High workload
- Lack of control
- Poor work-life balance
- Unclear expectations
- Workplace relationships
7 strategies to improve productivity and wellbeing
1. Organise and prioritise tasks
Break down tasks into subtasks and prioritise them based on urgency and importance.
Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, project management software and time-tracking apps to help you stay on top of your tasks and in control.
2. Set realistic goals:
Establish achievable goals with realistic deadlines and the resources you need to achieve them.
Add dates to your calendar or task management tool and celebrate milestones.
Remember to frequently check in with your goals and make any necessary adjustments or changes.
3. Take regular breaks:
As well as helping to reduce stress, breaks also help to:
- Restore focus and attention
- Consolidate memory and learning
- Boost creativity and productivity
The Pomodoro Technique involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, repeated 3 more times and then followed by a longer break.
Remember to take breaks away from your screen for a few minutes every hour and get away from your desk at lunchtime.
Getting outside for fresh air, exercise and a change of scenery does wonders for your physical and mental health.
4. Practice rest & relaxation
Mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises and yoga can help reduce stress and improve focus.
Create times to rest in your day, just as you would your meetings, lunch break or collecting your kids from school.
5. Create ‘me time’
This is time that is just yours, to do what you want with, whether that’s being in nature, meeting friends, reading a book, or listening to music. This helps to create distance away from work and recharge your batteries.
‘Me time’ can also be in the work environment, where you set boundaries for when you are available and when you are not available, which will help reduce interruptions and distractions.
6. Stay physically active:
Regular physical activity helps to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Incorporate exercise into your daily routine, whether it’s a walk during lunch or a workout after work.
Doing some simple stretches at your desk – in between meetings or between tasks – is hugely beneficial to your physical as well as your mental health.
7. Focus on what you can control
The ‘Circles of Control’ often visualized as concentric circles, help people identify and focus on what they can control (thoughts, actions, choices) versus what they can’t (external events, other people’s actions).
By implementing these 7 strategies, people can better manage stress, enhance productivity and improve their overall wellbeing. These will help create positive and productive working environments, where individuals and organisations can thrive.
How I can help
A 6-week, 1-1 coaching program to transform your productivity and wellbeing, so you can live and work more happily, healthily and sustainably.
This is also available as a full-day training or two, half-days training for groups or teams.
