A common sentiment across the workforce is that in order to “prove” themselves, employees must take on more work than their bandwidth allows – but burning the candle at both ends only leaves them burnt out. The buildup of stress, pressure, and expectations at work is evident in not only employee mental health but in most employees’ physical health, too. In fact, Headspace’s annual report of mental health trends in the workplace revealed that the majority (77%) of employees feel that work stress has negatively impacted their physical health, and 75% say it caused them to gain weight.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the ways that boundaries can help to protect employee work/life balance which, in turn, protects employee health. Boundary-setting in the office can entail far more than just logging off at 5 p.m. – it can help employees identify the parts of their lives that require more attention and better align their schedules with their values. This gives employees the opportunity to mindfully set aside time to care for their physical health, as well as their mental health.

Set time blocks on your calendar.

We allot certain hours to our working schedules – why shouldn’t the same blocking system exist for our personal schedules, too? Scheduling blocks for other important areas of your life, like physical activity, self-care, or relationship-building, can help to build a boundary that prevents work from carrying over. Making room for just a few minutes of physical activity or a relaxing activity like reading or journaling can help reduce stress and positively impact physical health.

Take breaks before you need them.

The best time to take a break is before you feel like you need a break. Encouraging employees to walk away from their desks for a brisk stroll outside or a stretch away from the screen can be a great way to not only incorporate physical movement into a busy day but also to counteract stress with a boost in energy. 

Reach out for support.

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Employees may hesitate to ask for support because they believe it would draw attention to their shortcomings, but by acknowledging that your bandwidth is stretched too thin, you’re telling your team that you care about a job well done. If you don’t have the capacity to take on a project and still devote time to what matters to you, don’t be afraid to lean on your support system. They want you to succeed, too. 

The ripple effect of work stress impacts not only employees, but their employers as well – when employees are too stressed to feel present during their off-hours, that lack of energy seeps into working hours and drives consequences like absenteeism, presenteeism, and employee turnover. The negative effects that work has on employee physical health can also result in higher healthcare costs for organizations, as stress can exacerbate physical and mental health conditions. When employers foster an environment that allows for boundaries to be not only set but respected, they create a healthier culture that prioritizes well-being – both mental and physical.

Interested in learning more about how a focus on whole-person health can improve employee well-being, both physically and mentally? Register for our upcoming webinar, "How whole person care improves mental health outcomes and lowers costs".

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To learn more about how Headspace can help your organization improve employee mental health and reduce stress, contact us here.