Stress in the Workplace: What Employers Can Do to Support Employees
Why employers should address workplace stress
Employers who actively manage workplace stress can see benefits including:
- Increased employee productivity and creativity
- Higher staff morale and job satisfaction
- Reduced absenteeism and turnover rates
- Improved workplace relationships and communication
What is stress?
Stress is the body’s response to a threat or situation (stressor). The cumulative effect of lots of small stressors can lead to chronic stress.
Symptoms of stress can include:
| Physical Symptoms | Mental Symptoms | Changes in Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
|
Headaches or dizziness |
Difficulty concentrating |
Being irritable and snappy |
|
Muscle tension or pain |
Struggling to make decisions |
Sleeping too much or too little |
|
Stomach problems |
Feeling overwhelmed |
Eating too much or too little |
|
Chest pain or a faster heartbeat |
Constantly worrying |
Avoiding certain places or people |
| Sexual problems | Being forgetful | Drinking or smoking more |
When stress is left unaddressed, it can lead to serious health problems, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. For employers, understanding these causes and addressing them is vital in creating a healthy work environment.
Causes of stress in the workplace
Workplace stressors can include:
- Heavy workloads and unrealistic deadlines
- Poor communication or unclear job roles
- Lack of support from management
- Job insecurity or change in work environment
- Conflict with colleagues or managers
- Poor work-life balance
What employers can do to reduce stress in the workplace
Addressing workplace stress doesn’t necessarily require big changes to your business processes. Small, proactive changes can make a big difference to employee wellbeing. Here are some examples of strategies employers can implement to reduce stress and improve workplace health:
Resources
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Stress Talking Toolkits will help managers talk with workers as part of their overall approach to preventing and managing work-related stress.
NHS Employers
NHS Employers provides practical guidance on prevention and management of stress at work which aims to enable employers within health organisations to work in partnership with trade union bodies and employee representatives to identify the signs of stress and put in place measures to prevent and reduce the causes and risks associated with workplace stress.
Key Dates
6th November 2024: National Stress Awareness Day