Stress is now the most common cause of work related absence in the UK.
We can all feel stressed at times when we feel everything becomes too much. Stress affects us in different ways at different times of our lives and it is usually a combination of work related and personal factors.
When it comes to work a referral to occupational health can help facilitate a return back to the workforce. In most cases it usually involves some form of mediation between the employer and employee. Communication is key and it is important that the employer is aware of the perceived working conditions which bought on symptoms of stress to the employee.
How to manage stress as an Employee?
- If you are struggling within the workplace you should discuss your concerns directly with your line manager. Arrange an appropriate time to discuss with your supervisor and express your concerns. It may be worthwhile to write down your concerns so that you are fully prepared when you meet with him/her.
- If you are not able to speak with your line manager or you feel the line manager may be a source of conflict, you may wish to speak to Human Resources who will also be able to help. Again it is important that you document your findings as well which individual you speak to so that you can keep a personal track of who you have spoken to.
- Write a list of things that are bothering you and create an action plan on how you can solve them. Prioritize activities that can be easily remedied. Accept that some things may be ultimately out of your control.
- Confide in friends and family. It is advisable to discuss your concerns with your loved ones. The old adage of sharing and halving problems remains ever pertinent. You may also wish to speak to your GP who may be able to arrange professional counselling services which will allow you to express your thoughts to a trained professional.
- Keep up with your hobbies, maintain social commitments and try to avoid using alcohol or cigarettes as coping strategies.
- Exercise helps burn off excess adrenaline and boosts natural endorphins which help you relax. Try going for a run or walking the dogs to help manage your symptoms.
How to manage stress as an Employer?
- The best way of managing stress is to identify workplace issues with the employee and agree on realistic and workable ways to tackle them.
- Gain familiarity with the HSE risk factor and Management Standards so you can identify focal areas of concern to act upon.
- Liaise with your employee representative or trade union representative to gain a greater understanding of the workplace feelings as a whole.
- Assess the risks and potential causes of stress within your organization. This can be done through analyzing sickness absence records or conducting specific stress related risk assessments.
- It is important to maintain dialogue with your employee. Meetings should be ideally held in a neutral venue with plenty of times allocated for breaks.
- Meetings or hearings should be conducted as soon as possible as any unnecessary delay is likely to exacerbate symptoms of stress and anxiety.
- A referral to occupational health can help reduce sickness absence and identify workplace issues that can be addressed whilst providing independent medical advice.
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