In today’s fast-paced work environment, chronic stress has become a common and detrimental issue. Amidst frequent deadlines, high expectations and the pressures of balancing work-life demands, stress can often feel overwhelming for employees. It can affect both mental and physical well-being, and create challenges for individual and team performance, as well as increased absenteeism and difficulties with long-term retention. Recognizing the causes of workplace stress and instituting targeted wellness programs can help foster a healthier and more productive culture.

Stress in the workplace affects everyone differently, says Mayer Bellehsen, PhD, assistant vice president of the behavioral health service line at Northwell Health and founding director of the Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery (CTSRR).

“Stress is highly varied by industry,” Dr. Bellehsen explains. “However, all business leaders share a universal responsibility to prioritize employees’ well-being and help manage workplace stress effectively.”

In fact, workplace stress is a widespread issue. According to the World Health Organization, 83% of U.S. workers experienced work-related stress in 2022. Addressing this problem begins with understanding its root causes and implementing strategies for improvement.

Understanding workplace stress

The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2022 framework, Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being, highlights the critical role of workplace environments in supporting employee mental health.

“Workplaces are spaces where people spend a lot of time,” Dr. Bellehsen said. “This is an opportunity to create an environment that supports employees’ well-being and promotes awareness, engagement and destigmatization.”

He adds that stress in the workplace often arises when employees lack control over their work experience, especially in roles with complex demands. Common workplace stressors include:

• Heavy workload: Multiple demands at a given time. The higher the volume of demands, the higher the chance an employee is experiencing work-related stress.
• Tight deadlines: Pressuring employees to meet deadlines without adequate resources heightens stress.
• Competing priorities: Balancing conflicting tasks can force employees to make difficult trade-offs.
• Unnecessary meetings: Frequent, non-essential meetings can be timewasters, preventing employees from focusing on important tasks and creating unnecessary stress.
• Lack of resources: Inadequate tools or support can hinder an employee’s ability to complete tasks effectively.
• Lack of managerial support: When a team member lacks managerial support, it can be difficult for them to feel supported in the workplace. Over time, it can lead to chronic stress.
• Mixed messages: Poor communication creates confusion, delays, and can result in added job-related stress.

These stressors are often exacerbated by low-value-add administrative tasks, which Dr. Bellehsen describes as “tasks that are not essential to their job that they are constantly having to address and follow up on.”

The effects of chronic workplace stress

While some stress can be motivating, chronic stress has far-reaching consequences. Dr. Bellehsen says stress affects health behaviors such as diet, exercise, smoking, substance use and mental health.

He emphasizes that “a short burst of a stress is going to be more manageable than if it’s chronic or prolonged.”

Symptoms of chronic stress may include:

• Poor cardiovascular health
• Weight fluctuations
• Anxiety and/or depression
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Unhealthy coping behaviors, such as substance use

5 proven strategies to manage workplace stress

Dr. Bellehsen suggests five effective ways for organizations to combat workplace stress:

1. Promote healthy coping strategies: Encourage resilience and stress relief through:
   • Mindfulness or relaxation techniques
   • Positive thinking exercises
   • Physical activities like yoga or walking
2. Group resilience coaching: Offer workshops that help employees manage job-related stress, build coping skills, and strengthen team dynamics.
3. Mentorship opportunities: Pair experienced employees with others to share strategies, offer guidance, and provide regular encouragement through check-ins.
4. Build connections: Combat isolation—especially in remote settings—by organizing team-building events and casual networking opportunities to foster social bonds.
5. Organizational interventions: Equip managers to actively support employee well-being by:
   • Checking in regularly about workload and morale
   • Adjusting expectations to avoid burnout
   • Encouraging open conversations to resolve stress early

“Managers should act as facilitators,” Dr. Bellehsen emphasizes. “By controlling work expectations and flow, they can significantly alleviate stress for their teams.”

How Northwell Direct can help manage workplace stress

Northwell Direct has a variety of customizable programs to address workplace stress.¹ We work alongside employers to find the right program that fits their employees' needs.

• Stress management workshops: These sessions teach employees how to identify stress triggers and develop effective techniques for managing their stress levels.
• Behavioral health navigation: Our telephonic mental health program connects employees with mental health resources, helping them access the right support when needed.
• Behavioral Health Connect: Our digital application for virtual therapy, medication management and support services ensures employees are consistently paired with the same provider for ongoing, high-quality, evidence-based care that delivers real results. This digital application provides rapid access to our high-quality network of behavioral health professionals, while eliminating common access barriers to care.
• Group resilience training: Customized workshops that enhance team resilience and improve stress management.

By investing in mental health and wellness, businesses can foster healthier, more productive workplaces where employees thrive.

Take the first step

Managing workplace stress is essential for retaining employees, supporting a healthy workforce, and creating a productive team culture.

To learn more about the stress management services Northwell Direct offers, call (844) 694-3728 or email NWDirect@northwell.edu.

_{[1] Wellness and clinical service offerings are provided by affiliated Northwell Health entities and their licensed providers.}