Six top tips for managing stress in the workplace

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Essential support for employees suffering with work-related stress

Work-related stress can place huge demands on employees' physical and mental health and could impact their behaviour, performance and relationships with colleagues. Stress occurs in lots of work situations but it is often made worse by employees feeling they have little or no support from their managers or colleagues.

The HSE reported that there were 914,000 workers suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety (new or long-standing) in 2021/22. This just shows the size of the challenge employers’ face in supporting their employees.

While certain levels of stress are normal for some, high levels can have some serious consequences for both the employee and for the business. So it’s important that employers recognise the signs of unhealthy stress and put in place steps to support those suffering.

How to recognise those suffering from stress

High levels of stress can often go unnoticed, especially with team members working remotely. It’s important to be aware of the signs of stress, including:

  • Making out of character mistakes.
  • Changes in normal behaviour – are they more irritable, restless, depressed or anxious than normal?
  • Lack of interest and productivity issues.
  • Taking increased number of sick days.
  • Visually tired, overwhelmed or burned out.
  • Socially isolating themselves.

Clearly, unmanageable levels of stress can be a serious problem. So let’s explore some ways to help employees.

Six ways to help employees suffering with work-related stress

By taking action, employers can help create a more engaged, healthy workforce, boost productivity.

1. Improve stress and mental health awareness. Ensure line managers understand the policies and support in place for employees. Providing mental health awareness training for line managers is a popular tool in helping to recognise the signs of mental ill health and empowering them to feel confident in approaching an individual they feel maybe struggling and signpost appropriate support.

2. Encourage open conversations. A great way to limit unnecessary stress is through clear and regular communication. This is to ensure all employees have a clear understanding of the direction of the business and what is expected of them.

3. Remind employees of the importance of taking regular breaks. Stress often leads people to feel that they do not have time to take a break. However, getting away from the desk and outside for some fresh air will really help employees to recharge and refocus. Managers could instigate meeting-free breaks to encourage employees to take a break. Annual leave is also important for reducing stress levels, improving mental health, and increasing productivity.

4 Create a friendly social workplace. Provide opportunities for social interaction amongst employees, including team lunches and outings. This can greatly reduce workplace stress and increase collaboration and morale.

5. Implement employee benefits that offer support. Most employers offer some kind of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) as part of Group Health or Group Income Protection Insurance. EAPs are designed to support the mental wellbeing of employees and they often include telephone and face-to-face counselling. Mental health and wellbeing apps are also a cost-effective way to support your people and can be used to create company challenges for everyone to participate in.

6. Make use of free resources. A number of charities and organisations offer a wide range of support for businesses and employees. Mind offers employers training and toolkits to help them support their employees. Anxiety UK has similar services and has a support line to call with any questions about preventing stress and anxiety at work. And Time to Change is a charity campaigning to remove the stigma around mental health.

Stress is something that can affect everyone, and with people spending so much of their time working, its important businesses put plans in place to support their employees to avoid unhealthy stress and burnout.

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