As the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is only around the corner and coming up on 28^th April, did you know that majority (92 percent) people surveyed in Singapore said they are experiencing stress in the workplace? This number is higher compared to 87 percent employees said globally. Even worse, among them who said they are stressed at work, 13 percent reported they are suffering from unmanageable levels of stress. 

According to 2019 Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey conducted recently, only about 1 in 5 (21 percent) respondent is getting sufficient sleep at night (compared to 28 percent in 2017) and only 18 percent exercise regularly (compared to 21 percent in 2017). This alarming downward trend is indicative of how an “always on” work culture is taking its toll on the Singapore workforce.

Work stress can have significant health consequences for employees, ranging from the relatively benign such as colds and flus to the more serious cases such as cardiac disease and depression. Many employees choose to ignore their symptoms because they fear being stigmatised or, worse, fired if they disclose their health issues. But if companies can support employees in managing stress and maintaining their overall well-being, their recovery will be much faster and less disruptive to the organisation.

Samantha Smith, mindfulness coach and Cigna wellness ambassador, shares 3 quick ways to take control and improve your well-being at work:

1. Stay Organised

Planning ahead can significantly decrease stress at work. Being organised means doing the requisite prep work and allowing ample time for travel so you are running according to schedule. Keeping yourself organised also frees up headspace so you can be more efficient and productive at work.

2. Exercise More

Many people suffer from the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. One way you can combat this is to get some exercise during your lunch break – from taking a walk or a class at the gym. This can help you refresh your mind, elevate your mood, and get into better shape physically and mentally.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Most of us are so used to stress that we tend to ignore its impact. Developing a practice of mindfulness – being present and paying attention – can help break the cycle and reconnect us with our bodies. Mindfulness equips us to be impartial, so that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without taking them personally, enabling us to respond rather than react to situations.

Read also: Does Giving Employee a Day to Disconnect “Really” Improve Productivity?