Stress is something we can all relate to, that overwhelming feeling that we aren’t going to get everything done in time or that we are going to mess up a project.

Have a look at HSE’s annual stats for 2022. These highlight the reality that, in Great Britain, an estimated 914 000 workers are suffering from work related stress, depression and anxiety, resulting in a staggering 17 million lost working days. These numbers emphasise the vital importance of employers giving their employees the tools to manage stress in the workplace to avoid it getting to the point where stress is debilitating and causes lost days at work.

There are many factors that can contribute to stress in the workplace. Take a look at the following points and think about how you can support your employees:

1. Heavy workload and long hours: Having too much to do and not enough time to do it can lead to feelings of pressure and anxiety. Do you have mechanisms in place to help your employees manage their workload? For example, frequent one-on-one meetings with their line managers to evaluate and adjust workload? Or resource management software tools that track level of effort and workload?
2. Lack of control and autonomy: When employees feel that they have little control over their work or decision-making processes it can lead to feelings of helplessness and stress. This is another area where frequent one-on-one meetings are useful to give feedback, build rapport and trust. Once built, this rapport and trust leads to a feeling of control and autonomy.
3. Job insecurity: The fear of losing one’s job or the uncertainty of job stability can lead to high levels of stress. This is again where the feedback loop is so important in those regular line manager/employee meetings.
4. Conflicting demands and unrealistic expectations: Having to balance competing demands and meet unrealistic expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress. Making sure mechanisms are in place to manage resource and level of effort will help avoid this, as will regular communication.
5. Poor communication and lack of support from colleagues or management: Feeling unsupported or disconnected from others at work can lead to feelings of isolation and stress.
6. Lack of recognition or reward for good work: When employees feel that their efforts are not being acknowledged or rewarded, it can lead to feelings of demotivation and stress. Avoid this by having scheduled appraisals and regular goal setting sessions with reviews on progress.
7. Unpleasant or unsafe working conditions: a physical environment that is too hot, too cold, too loud, or dirty can also lead to stress. This is where safety culture is so important. Hold regular toolbox talks. Make sure your employees know that health and safety comes first because you care about them. It is not simply a tick box exercise. Read one of our recent blogs here where we talk about health and safety culture.

There are several ways you and your organisation could manage stress at work. Think about how your organisation can encourage your employees to adopt appropriate behaviours, like:

1. Prioritising tasks and managing time effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Asking for regular meetings with their line manager to review workload.
2. Practicing good self-care, such as getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food.
3. Communicating and collaborating with colleagues to build a supportive work environment.
4. Taking breaks throughout the day to reset and recharge.
5. Identifying and addressing sources of stress, such as unrealistic deadlines or heavy workloads.
6. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation.
7. Seeking professional help if needed. Does your organisation have external or internal professional help available to your employees? If so, how is that resource made available? For example, a 24-hour mental health support hotline.

Everyone experiences stress at some stage, it’s best to identify the causes of workplace stress and take steps to avoid it as much as possible.