Understanding Workplace Stress: A Growing Concern
Updated: Oct 5
The Impact of Stress on Wellbeing
Stress is not just a personal issue; it affects the entire organisation. High levels of stress can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and a toxic workplace culture. When employees are stressed, they are less engaged and less likely to contribute positively to their teams.
What is Stress?
Stress is the adverse reaction that people have to excessive pressure or demands placed on them. Pressures, expectations, deadlines, and the need to produce results are all part of our professional lives. A certain amount of pressure can motivate us and help us perform at our best. However, it’s crucial to balance these periods with relaxation. Continuous pressure without respite can lead to stress, which can have both physical and psychological effects.
What are the Causes of Stress?
Stress is usually caused by a combination of factors that can feel overwhelming. Personal concerns, such as family or relationship problems, financial difficulties, or ill health, can contribute to workplace stress.
At work, stress can stem from:
Overwork
Feeling unvalued
Having little or no control over your working day
An unclear job role
Relationship difficulties with colleagues or managers, including bullying or harassment
Environmental factors, such as noise, lack of space, and heat, can also contribute to feelings of stress.
What are the Symptoms of Stress?
Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure. This response can produce both physical and emotional reactions. Stress affects people differently; what stresses one person may not affect another. Factors like skills, experience, age, or disability can influence how well an employee copes.
Common symptoms of stress include:
Lack of concentration or focus
Increased reliance on unhealthy coping habits, such as alcohol, smoking, and caffeine
Aggressive outbursts or becoming short-tempered with others
Heart palpitations or shortness of breath
Dizziness
Panic attacks
Nausea
Fatigue and low mood
What if I Have a Problem at Work?
It’s important to talk about your concerns. The sooner a problem is addressed, the less impact it will have. Ideally, you should speak to your manager or HR team if you have a problem. Your employer may also have an employee assistance programme or occupational health provider to help address workplace stressors.
Where Can I Get More Information?
The Health and Safety Executive offers many resources to help with work-related stress. These include the Management Standards to help organisations comply with the law and identify and manage the six causes of stress at work. They also provide guidance for line managers on having simple, practical conversations with employees and example stress risk assessments. You can find more information at Stress at work - HSE.
We carry out independent organisational stress surveys and assessments. Our insights inform employers where action is needed to improve organisational wellbeing and meet the stress management standards. We also conduct independent, individual stress risk assessments for employees.
If you or your organisation need help managing stress-related risk, get in touch by clicking on the 'Get in touch' button.
