Contributing to a Healthy Workplace Atmosphere

Economists agree that labor is the No. 1 cost for businesses, accounting for as much as 70 percent of spending. The second largest line item is inventory, which makes up an average of 25-35 percent of a business's budget.  

These realities have distributors on high alert as the U.S. Department of Labor finalizes new overtime rulings that can further strain labor dollars. Meanwhile, the longshoreman strike caused a backlog of ships, creating uncertainty for supply chains and accessible inventory for distributors relying on moving products and equipment.  

To add insult to injury, there are ongoing hiring and retention struggles, inflation’s impact on purchasing, the impending budget season and 2025 planning, and maybe today was the day OSHA decided to stop in and pay a visit to the warehouse. After all, when it rains, it pours. With all this going on, I wasn’t surprised when a few distributors I recently spoke with admitted feeling a bit stressed. 

Stress is all too common in the workplace and can cause someone to feel overwhelmed, agitated or panicked. If not cared for, these mental health triggers can quickly turn into physical health problems. 

I can certainly sympathize. I experience my fair share of stress publishing the top industry magazine and daily newsletter. Here are a few strategies I use to keep that stress in check. 

Breathe. It sounds obvious but relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can help control how the body responds to stress triggers and reduces tension. Specifically, health experts encourage deep breaths using the diaphragm, which triggers the mind to move from a tense, stressed feeling to a state of calm. I find that this helps reduce blood pressure and steadies my heart rate. 

Get organized and prioritize projects. I break large projects down into smaller, manageable steps. Health experts recommend using tools such as to-do lists or digital apps to stay on track. They also encourage avoiding procrastination to minimize last-minute pressures. Doing this helps me maintain a clear focus, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

Lastly, I try very hard to promote a positive work environment that encourages open communication and collaboration. Research shows that building strong working relationships and seeking social support from colleagues can help alleviate pressure during challenging times. 

Minimizing stress can also reduce some of the strains that caused it — staffing, for example. According to Harvard Business Review reports, 50 percent of employees say they have left a position for mental health reasons. Millennials and Gen Zers make up much of those numbers — 69 percent and 81 percent, respectively, have quit a job due to mental health caused by stress. 

Whether you’re doing it for yourself or your team, find ways to contribute to a healthier, more balanced workplace atmosphere. 

Corinne Zudonyi is the Editor-in-Chief of Sanitary Maintenance and has been in the cleaning industry for 17 years. She also oversees CleanLink.com, Facility Cleaning Decisions magazine and Contracting Profits magazine.