In American society, a majority of us spend most of our waking hours at our jobs. As I write this, I am reminded of the 1980s song “9-to-5” by music legend Dolly Parton.
Unfortunately, many shifts in the workplace last from 10 hours to as much as 14-to-16, depending on your occupation. Working long hours requires dedication, focus, and of course, a little motivation.
It takes courage to get up and face each day, especially when you expect it to be tiresome and stressful. So, knowing that your labor has been noticed, valued, appreciated, and inspiring to others goes a long way when working a stressful job.
Why Give Words of Encouragement for Work Stress?
Encouragement brings inspiration during tough times and reinforces what is right and positive. You should give someone words of encouragement because you never know what a person is going through. If you see someone is down or stressed, why not do what you can to lift their spirits.
Most of the stress we face at work stems from rude and inconsiderate bosses, annoying coworkers, and other unprofessional behaviors. Employers have been known to shame employees who are less productive or have to miss work for personal issues.
Employees are also faced with degrading and public humiliation on the job. So, words of encouragement can be the lifeline that keeps a person afloat.
When it comes to encouragement, what you give out to others will return to you 100 times over, like planting a seed and gaining a harvest of what you have sown. Sowing encouragement will not only lift someone's spirits on the job, but you will find that it will have a way of returning to you when you need it.
Employers have been known to promote encouragers because they are considered the best team players. They keep the morale high in demanding and stressful environments.
Words of encouragement can be used to show empathy towards others. Someone may feel all alone in their stressful situation, and your thoughtfulness and understanding may be what breathes new life into them or give them direction on navigating the frustrating circumstances they may be faced with.
Bosses also deal with tons of work stress. Being in charge of what someone else accomplishes can be a bit much. There are pressures from those you manage, as well as your managers.
Suppose you are the owner or head of the company. In that case, you still have the stress of answering to the expectations of shareholders and the general public.
Many leaders fear they aren't making the right decisions and know that one mistake affects not only them but the livelihood of everyone they employ. Words of encouragement can go a long way and make a difference in how they view their jobs as well.
I spent most of my working career in some type of management position. However, there was a time I spent five years working in the insurance industry. I was a sales and training agent there.
While employed by the company, I was able to encourage and uplift many managers there. The pressures they were dealing with and the toll it was taking on their home lives were almost unbearable.
I realized over time that my number one job at the company was not selling insurance, though that was what I was initially hired for. But my most significant responsibility was to keep everyone motivated and inspired.
55 Helpful Words of Encouragement for Someone Dealing with Work Stress
1. If the world had more people like you in the workforce, it would be a much better place.
2. You are a blessing. You make the complicated stuff look so easy.
3. It lifts my spirits every time I see you. You’re always friendly and pleasant to talk to.
4. Your smile and joyful disposition are just what this department needs.
5. In all my days, I have never seen someone as impactful as you in the workplace. You make us all better.
In all my days, I have never seen someone as impactful as you in the workplace. You make us all better. “
6. I wish we could clone you all over the whole department.
7. Things run so smoothly when you’re here. We don’t get any complaints at all.
8. I know you have been stressed about the upcoming presentation, but you've got this.
9. I see how hard you go at it. I don’t know where we would be without you.
10. Your thoughtfulness and team-first attitude are refreshing.
11. You are always ready for anything, whether it’s a change of personnel or direction.
12. I've been thinking of replacing everyone but you. You're the only one I can count on!
13. You are intelligent and wise; I could use your advice on more significant matters.
14. You were made for this job. You make things look so effortless; you put us all to shame.
15. Here is a raise. Your dedication and hard work are second to none.
16. I am going to get you some help. Whatever you need, don’t be afraid to ask.
17. Take the rest of the day off as a show of appreciation for all you do in the office.
18. I don’t take it lightly that you come in early and leave late. It means a lot.
19. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
20. I don't know how I would have survived the long hours without your humor. You help lighten the mood.
I don't know how I would have survived the long hours without your humor. You help lighten the mood.”
21. I prayed for a miracle, and you came through for us again.
22. I am so proud of you. You struggled at first, but you mastered your job over time and have become the best at it.
23. Don’t let hurtful words get to you. Just know that you’re doing the best you can.
24. Believe in yourself. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't cut it here.
25. “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan
26. You are making your dreams come true because of your hard work. So don’t let up now.
27. You are the most thoughtful boss I have ever worked for. You make us want to come to work.
28. You make us feel like we are all part of a team. Great leaders do that.
29. You take on all the complicated projects and make them look easy. We could all use your courage.
30. You are the most consistent person we have on the floor. I have no doubt you'll go far.
31. “Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne Johnson
32. You're on fire. Keep it up; there is a big bonus in your future.
33. You are the heart and soul of the office. As you go, we all go.
34. The past month has been hard on you, but you rose to the challenge. Your contribution is much appreciated.
35. You have kept the place going, even without the right tools. We promise to make things right.
36. We know the department has been shorthanded, and you've worked many long, stressful hours. Thank you for all you do.
We know the department has been shorthanded, and you've worked many long, stressful hours. Thank you for all you do.”
37. You genuinely are irreplaceable. You set a high standard in the workplace.
38. Things will get better. Don’t let this day cause you to be a “stooper”.
39. You are the president of the board. I know it is stressful, but how many people can say they have achieved what you have within the company. You worked your way from the bottom to the top.
40. You show us all what can be done with hard work and determination.
41. You are destined to be great. Setbacks are just learning experiences and opportunities to be better.
42. I appreciate you. You always think of everything. I’m sorry for being so hard on you all the time.
43. Luck? I don't know anything about luck. Luck to me is something else: hard work and realizing what opportunity is and what isn't.” – Lucille Ball
44. I wouldn't call it what you do work; I would call it a labor of love.
45. “Hard work always wins in the end.” – Lucas Till
46. You'll reap the benefits of all your hard work just don't give up during the process.
47. Things are looking up, the company is finally on the right track, and you have much to do with it.
48. I love having you work here. There is pleasantness about you that everyone can’t stop talking about.
49. I love your temperament and how you deal with demanding customers. We should have you teach a training class on the subject.
50. I know you have felt overworked and underpaid for a long time, but that's about to change.
51. I don't think you realized this, but your work is changing lives. The company, the community, and people all around the world have been touched by your dedication and hard work.
I don't think you realized this, but your work is changing lives. The company, the community, and people all around the world have been touched by your dedication and hard work.”
52. You’re stressed because we put more on your plate, but you’re one of the best at what you do by far.
53. You're such a magnificent worker; I can't wait to see what the future holds for you and the company.
54. You’re one of the most intelligent people that I know. Thank you for taking the time to solve some of our most challenging problems. You run this business as if it’s your own.
55. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and one day you look back, and you've climbed a mountain.” – Tom Hiddleston
Final Words on Words of Encouragement for Work Stress
When you encourage someone dealing with work stress, your words can reinforce something they already know to be true… or shine a bright light in their blind spot. Either way, your compassion is needed to ease tension and boost morale.
If you live with someone who is always coming home stressed from the workday, try listening to them as they discuss their day. Then, try offering words of affirmation and appreciation for their desire to provide a living amid a stressful environment.
You should make a point to encourage your family, friends, coworkers, employees, supervisors, vendors, and everyone else you come in contact with during your workday.
Even if you like your job, work can get very stressful… but kind gestures and words can bring a smile to someone's face and remind them that all they do is worthwhile.
And if you want more encouraging words of encouragement, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 73 Motivational Words of Encouragement for Your Employees
- 61 Words of Encouragement to Comfort Someone with Depression
- 161 Inspirational Words of Encouragement to Motivate You or a Friend
