In today’s fast-paced world, workplace stress is widespread. According to the World Health Organisation, work-related stress is “the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities.” Left unaddressed, stress can impact productivity, morale, overall wellbeing, and enjoyment of life.
BUT – and here’s the good news – you don’t need big interventions to make a meaningful difference. Small, practical strategies can reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and boost motivation across your team. I deliver interactive talks, workshops, and online lunchtime sessions to help organisations create healthier, more productive workplaces.
Below are some simple tools and techniques I share to empower teams to thrive.
It takes less than 90 seconds for a stress response to pass through the body – if we don’t feed it with anxious thoughts (Siegel, 2012). Teaching staff short, effective breathing exercises – such as the 4-7-8 method or box breathing – can immediately lower heart rate, regulate emotions, and reduce tension.
Encourage employees to take a 1-minute breathing break before or after meetings to reset focus.
Anxiety is a sign that you’re alive and responsive! It’s a normal human biological reaction. I work with teams to normalise conversations about anxiety and stress, reducing stigma and fostering psychological safety. When employees feel safe to acknowledge challenges, they’re more likely to seek support early.
Introduce regular check-ins or ‘wellbeing minutes’ during team meetings to foster open dialogue.
Research shows that small, consistent actions build sustainable habits – what I call ‘baby steps in the right direction’. I help staff identify achievable shifts, such as standing up while taking phone calls, drinking more water, or setting boundaries with email, to gradually improve wellbeing and performance.
Support staff to set one small wellbeing goal each week, reviewed together as a team.
A certain level of stress can enhance performance (known as eustress). My sessions teach how to reframe stress from threat to challenge, boosting motivation and problem-solving.
Encourage staff to reflect on a recent challenge they overcame, identify the strengths they used, and note what they learned.
Motivation thrives when people feel a sense of autonomy, competence, and connection (Deci & Ryan, 2000). In my talks, I explore how leaders can foster intrinsic motivation by aligning personal values with organisational goals.
Offer flexibility wherever possible, and regularly link everyday tasks to the organisation’s bigger picture.
If you want to boost staff wellbeing, reduce stress, and foster motivation through practical, engaging, evidence-based strategies, I’d love to help with:
Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier workplace.
Contact me today to discuss a talk or session for your team:
Call 087 710 7032 | Email hello@carolinecrotty.ie
Caroline Crotty Counselling & Psychotherapy Limited - 636306 - Suite 7, Block A, South Terrace Medical Centre, Infirmary Road, Cork T12 WF40
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