Everybody has been stressed at work more than a few times, being either a new project, a demanding client, issues with colleagues and of course redundancy cuts. This next part of Stress Awareness Month will go over how to manage your stress at work and solutions for this, as well as advice for employers.
Work stress
There are so many different causes of work stress and situations that differ from industry and role.
Some situations can cause a lack of confidence or self-esteem in your role. For example, a returning parent coming back to work after parental leave, may feel like they have ‘imposter syndrome’ or not ‘up-to-scratch’ anymore, leaving this individual feeling not as confident. There are many ways this can be resolved and applied to other work situations too:
- Speak to your line manager/person you report to and communicate your concerns without being scared to do so.
- Do online courses to improve your skills set. For returning staff this will allow you to be at the same level as everyone else again or even better, gaining your confidence back.
- Sit down with colleagues and get them to communicate key requirements and methods to carry out the work and get the job done.
Building a support network at work
One way to make dealing or managing stress levels easier, is to build a good support network you can rely on and trust. Employers need to ensure they have managers or a HR department that are knowingly available to employees for support around stress and wellbeing. These specific people who are responsible for employees’ wellbeing in the business, need to talk to the affected employees and find the root of the problem, to create an action plan that will minimise the cause behind stress levels. So, employers should actively look for methods to relieve stress for their employees and support good mental health in the workplace as soon as possible, so situations don’t escalate and get worse.
The main causes can be:
- Changes in the workplace – anything new that has occurred or lack of communication around small or large changes within the organisation.
- Roles – organisations need to ensure all employees understand everyone’s positions, so there are no conflicting responsibilities or roles.
- Support or lack off – employers should be encouraging a motivating workplace that supports and guides its employees.
- Control – how much ‘freedom’ or control an employee has over their work, are they micro managed or trusted to get the job done?
- Relationships – this refers to how work relationships are perceived and encouraged in a positive way so there are no or very little conflicts.
- Teamwork – encourage the notion of ‘team’ and ensure employees work together to achieve the end goal and can lean on each other when needed to create a great culture within the work environment.
- Reassurance – most importantly when someone is struggling with stress, they need to know that situations can get better and change, to help them relax and feel comforted.
The ‘Health and Safety Executive’ (HSE) provides more information on work-related stress here.
Summary
The above points can help ensure there isn’t a decrease in productivity, morale, poor health and avoid an increase in sickness rates. Employers are encouraged to support, guide and understand each employees’ struggles and uncover causes of stressful situations to ease this for their employees to then benefit all. If more organisations recognise and notice signs and symptoms of stress, they can put methods and procedures in place to make the situation work for everyone involved. For more information from the actual experts, please click on the resources below.
Resources: