How do you manage stress in the workplace?

The impact of stress in the workplace is wide ranging and can lead to problems such as poor staff retention, low productivity, missed deadlines, an unhappy atmosphere and HR issues that could be avoided if workplace stress was being managed effectively. 

Employers in the UK have a duty of care to identify any health and safety risks to employees at work; this includes taking reasonable steps to prevent against mental injury which includes excessive stress levels. Risk assessments must be in place to this end, which should be regularly reviewed, and on an individual basis should an employee tell an employer that they are experiencing work related stress.

Understanding Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is a very important topic, as there are many different reasons why an individual may be feeling stressed. Those reasons are not always confined solely to the workplace, so it is important to understand that workplace stress can add to what is already a difficult time for someone. 

Common workplace stressors include:

•    Tight deadlines
•    High workloads
•    Pressure to perform in a job role.
•    Interpersonal conflicts

Individuals under stress may experience symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue, all of which can have a detrimental effect not only on their personal life and wellbeing but on their performance in their job role. This can then have a knock-on effect on others at work who may have to step in and help if deadlines are a contributing factor. In this way, workplace stress is not just affecting an individual, but affects those in the same team.

Strategies for managing workplace stress as an employer

•    Put time management tools and training in place.
•    Ensure support is in place for all employees – this can include a
•    Lead by example
•    Recognition and reward schemes
•    Seek feedback.
•    Be flexible and autonomous. 
•    Address issues promptly.
•    Be realistic about deadlines and workloads. 
•    Keep open communication channels at all time.

Strategies for managing workplace stress as an employee

•    Seek support – don’t bottle things up.
•    Take breaks / move around!
•    Utilise all available tools/suggest new ones. 
•    Exercise routines and healthy lifestyle
•    Set boundaries
•    Positive thinking

Training options to manage workplace stress

Employers can look to undertake specific training in workplace stress. These options can include:

•    Common stresses in the workplace
•    Identifying those suffering from stress
•    Strategies to resolve and manage stresses at work
•    Supporting employees
•    The legalities around workplace stress. 
•    Specific training courses to support different age groups such as young people and adults

Employees can also look at training in terms of managing their own wellbeing and practicing mindfulness.

Resources

•    ACAS - https://www.acas.org.uk/managing-work-related-stress/understanding-the-law
•    Full range of Stress Management courses available to book online -https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/stress_management_111/

Related training options

•    Mental Health training courses  - https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/first_aid_mental_health_476/
•    Bullying & Harassment courses - https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/bullying_and_harassment_257/
•    Career & Personal Development courses - https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/career_development_99/
•    HR Management courses - https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/hr_management_general_106/