Overcoming Work Stress: A Few Simple Solutions

Identifying the causes of stress

Difficulty falling asleep, limb tension, trembling, knots in your stomach... the discomfort symptoms can be highly diverse. When these tensions are exacerbated at work, the alarm shouldn't be ignored. It is the emanation of an underlying problem that it's crucial to identify in order to preserve one's mental and/or physical health.
Common sources include:
- Stress and anxiety: the body often reacts to mental stress by tightening up, which can lead to muscle pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- Poor posture: an inadequate position, whether the body is often strained or in front of a computer for prolonged periods, can cause tension throughout the body.
- Inadequate workspace ergonomics: a poorly arranged desk, workbench or workstation with non-ergonomic equipment can contribute to these tensions.

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Practical solutions to reduce the level of tensions

When the pains are of physical or postural origin, it is often possible to find solutions quickly. Do not hesitate to call upon your superior, your human resources department, or occupational health to initiate a procedure that will lead to improved well-being:
- Improving ergonomics: improvements can include new ergonomic furniture, such as a chair that properly supports the back and an adjustable height desk to alternate between sitting and standing.
- Taking regular breaks: short but frequent breaks in the work routine offer the opportunity to stretch and move around. Repetitive movements or a static position are thus counterbalanced and tension can be reduced.
- Consulting a professional: if tensions persist, consider consulting a health professional, doctor, physical therapist, or even an occupational therapist, for personalized advice.

When symptoms reflect mental stress, addressing them can be more complex as the causes are sometimes invisible. An overly burdensome manager, a workload overload, personal stress, the imminent end of a work contract, unpleasant situations recurring excessively... Sadly, this type of environment is difficult to control. However, it is important to identify the source and find help to alleviate the tension.

It would be too lengthy here to list all the possibilities, the key takeaway is to seek support or help from reliable people. The first step towards better well-being is to talk about what's wrong. Meanwhile, here are some techniques to try to reduce tension:
- Stress management: relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even light physical activities can help to release accumulated tension.
- Detaching from the events that generate stress: if possible, attempt to put the situation into perspective. The tensions felt at work can sometimes be released by distancing oneself from events, the situation, or people.
- Consulting a professional: if tensions persist, consider consulting a health professional to discuss your problem.

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And what about prevention

Adopting a proactive approach to prevention can not only improve the quality of work-life, but also increase productivity and job satisfaction.

Creating a healthy and supporting work environment starts with a company culture that values employee well-being. Employers can contribute to this dynamic by implementing flexible work policies, encouraging regular breaks, and providing relaxation spaces.

Training managers on recognizing signs of stress in their teams and learning benevolent communication techniques can prevent the escalation of tensions.

On an individual level, employees benefit from developing a wellness routine that includes regular physical exercises, practices like meditation, and a balanced diet. Finally, encouraging open dialogue about stress and mental health within the company helps to demystify these topics and strengthen mutual support.

Physical tensions at work are not a foregone conclusion. By becoming aware of potential causes and implementing targeted solutions, it is possible to create a healthier and more productive work environment. Remember that taking care of your body and your mind is essential for maintaining both your well-being and your efficiency at work.

In France, the employer can be held accountable in case of

Under the provisions of the L.4121 Labor Code, the employer is mandated to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and protect the physical and mental health of its employees. This obligation, deemed as an obligation of enhanced safety, involves the proactive implementation of preventive measures. Among these measures, the employer ought to strive to avoid risks, fight them at their source, adapt work to man, especially in terms of work methods, and consider technical advancements.

In the event of failure to fulfill this obligation, if the employer cannot prove that he has done everything required to ensure this protection, he could be held responsible for the damage suffered by the employee and face sanctions for inexcusable fault, especially if he was, or ought to have been, aware of the danger and did not take the necessary measures to prevent it. This liability can translate into an increase in the compensations due to the employee, such as an increase in the annuity or capital, and reimbursement to Social Security for the damages suffered by the employee.

According to a ruling of the Court of Cassation (2009), obligations incumbent upon employees do not exempt the employer from his liability, both in terms of safety and morally. Therefore, he has a real interest in being proactive by creating a prevention system in the context of occupational risk prevention, and in ensuring that employees benefit from solid support and a workload that does not exceed their capabilities.

Recent jurisprudence illustrates an increasing trend to recognize the employer's liability in cases of burn-out, particularly when this is a result of management methods generating stress and anxiety, which could amount to moral harassment. Thus, abusive management or an uncontrolled workload can engage the employer's responsibility, who must take all necessary measures to prevent these situations and ensure the safety and mental health of his employees.