Stress in the Workplace

Isolation and loneliness can be the result of a lack of support at work and people can feel similarly lonely in the workplace if communication in the workplace is lacking.

Wellbeing can be affected by stress and poor mental health can be a consequence of too much stress at work. This can increase absence levels and reduce productivity.

Workers who don’t feel in control of their daily workload can become stressed and concentration can become poor, tempers can flare or they can become withdrawn. Employees make better decisions and can be more effective when they feel they have a say.

Certainty is also important for the wellbeing of your employees. Ensure they are informed about what is happening in your organisation where you can. If you have good communication between management and staff you are more likely to hear about any negative gossip.

If your workers work alone or at home ensure there are regular meet-ups to interact and engage with colleagues and to exchange ideas. It is important to create that a strong team environment.

You have a duty of care towards your employees and you need to be alert to how employees are coping. One-to-ones with managers can be helpful. Listening to what your workers have to say is so important as well as showing your support and having their backs.

Stress is not always work-related, of course. Do what you can to support a worker who has problems outside of work even if it just a listening ear or guiding them towards professional help. Perhaps provide an employee assistance programme.

Talk about yourself with your workers if you feel comfortable doing so. What works for you when you feel stressed? Exercise? Watching sport? Getting out into nature? Encourage your managers to do the same. Discussing mental wellbeing has increased enormously over the last few years and can help to alleviate stress.

Embrace employee friendly policies – could you give more than the statutory holidays for example? If you need my guidance for new policies, get in touch.

Be considerate. How would you like to be treated at work? Encourage interaction amongst your teams and provide proactive honest and clear communication, especially during organisational changes. Are you overloading employees unnecessarily?

Ensure employees take their holiday and daily breaks. They may feel that they are being more productive by not taking them but they are likely to be less productive and to be less focused.

Ensure managers provide sufficient support and that they are trained in how to manage difficult relationships amongst the workforce.

Taking time to provide the right environment can work wonders for the smooth running of your business and will create a happier working environment.