The clock reads 5:15 PM. Employees unlock their doors at home after a long workday. Instead of relaxing, they tense up even more. Thoughts race: "Should I have done more today? Did I provide enough support to my colleagues?" The body is exhausted, but the mind refuses to settle down.
Why Does the Stress Response Continue After Work?
This feeling is common for many in the workforce. When employees are on alert all day to handle challenges, the stress response is activated. After work, it’s easy to experience a persistent state of stress, which can be harmful to both health and productivity. This happens because:
- Adrenaline and cortisol continue to circulate in the body, and these stress hormones take time to subside.
- The brain is used to being vigilant and continues to scan for potential dangers, even in safe environments.
- Stored expectations of "I must perform" or "I must be in control" keep the stress response activated.
This constant activation can lead to sleep problems, irritability, and a general feeling of exhaustion, which in turn affects the work environment and increases absenteeism.
Implement Harmoni to Train Down the Stress Response
The Harmoni app is a tool that can help employees understand and change these automatic reactions. Here are some ways the company can use the app:
Trigger Mapping
Identify personal triggers among employees. The Harmoni app helps them map out when and why the stress response is activated. For example, "stressful meetings" may be a common trigger. By becoming aware of these triggers, employees can prepare themselves mentally and physically.
StoppStress Exercise
Use the StoppStress exercise the next time employees feel their thoughts starting to race. Here is a tailored version:
- Notice: Pay attention to the feeling in your body. Don’t try to change it, just observe.
- Stay focused: Allow the feeling to be there without judging or escaping into thoughts.
- Breathe deeply: Take five slow, deep breaths.
- Repeat: Continue until the tension begins to release.
Change Stored Expectations
Explore stored expectations among employees. What is the worst that can happen if they "let go of control"? Use Harmoni's "Awareness" feature to identify and challenge these beliefs. This is memory reconsolidation in practice, which can change the emotional response over time.
Results and ROI
Companies that have implemented the StoppStress program have reported significant reductions in stress-related absenteeism, providing a clear return on investment. For example, a large healthcare company in Oslo has seen a 30% decrease in absenteeism after 6 months of the program. This led to savings of several million kroner in costs related to absenteeism and increased productivity among employees.
Take a Small Step Today
Choose one trigger from the workday and encourage employees to use Harmoni to practice a new outcome. What could they have done differently? How can they approach similar situations next time with more calm and confidence?
Do You Want to Improve the Work Environment?
Visit us for more information on how StoppStress can help your company reduce stress and absenteeism.
Harmoni is a support tool for stress management, not treatment.
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Do You Want to Reduce Absenteeism in Your Company?
The StoppStress program uses memory reconsolidation to provide employees with lasting tools against stress. Learn more at stoppstress.no →