Stress and the Workplace
Some interesting facts about stress and the workplace:-
- 17.0 million working days were lost in 2021/2022 due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety (Labour Force Survey)
- In 2021/22, stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 51% of all work-related ill health cases and 55% of all working days lost due to work-related ill health (HSE)
- In 2020, analysis by Deloitte, found that poor mental health cost UK employers up to £45 billion each year (2020). On average, for every £1 spent on supporting their people’s mental health, employers get £5 back on their investment in reduced presenteeism, absenteeism and staff turnover.
These figures are probably an underestimate of the problem, given how hard it is to quantify presenteeism and the impact of one person’s stress on colleagues’ ability to work. Also, stress often presents as physical complaints which are not included.
It is important to remember that work life and home life are closely connected and impact on each other. When someone is feeling stressed, it affects all aspects of their life. There are well-established work-related stressors such as excess demand/work overload, lack of autonomy or a clear role and relationship issues. However, issues at home can make someone more vulnerable to work-related stress. When a member of staff is stressed, it impacts on their own health but also on their interactions with colleagues and their ability to do their work. The impact of staff stress on businesses and organisations isn’t just about presenteeism, absenteeism and high staff turnover. It impacts on the workload of colleagues, relationships within the team and, ultimately, affects the business bottom line in a variety of different ways.
What exactly is stress?
Stress can be defined as the mental, physical and/or emotional response to a situation and/or event that results in tension in the mind, body and/or spirit.
Stress affects our mind (and the way we think), our body (giving rise to a whole host of different physical symptoms) and our emotions, or how we feel. All are interlinked.
Stressors are the things that make people feel stressed. They generally do this by causing anxiety or worry, or too much pressure or a mixture of both. It is important to understand that people react differently to pressure. For many, pressure is stressful and they function better when they don’t feel under pressure. For many others, pressure is motivating and energising and they thrive under pressure. Wherever someone is on this spectrum, there will come a point beyond which the pressure becomes stressful and that is when it becomes harmful.
Can stress be good?
It is important to distinguish between the Acute Stress Reaction, also known as the Fright, Fight, Flight response, from chronic stress. The Acute Stress Reaction is an evolutionary adaptation which enables us to respond to life-threatening situations with increased strength, speed and alertness. It involves activation of some bodily systems and suppression of others. Once we have escaped or fought off the danger, everything reverts to its resting state. Clearly this response is healthy and very important. Unfortunately, this same response can be triggered in situations which are not life- threatening and if these situations persist, the changes in the body and brain can lead to harm. It is no surprise, therefore, that chronic stress has a negative impact on health and on people’s lives.
Top Tips for stress:-
The Serenity Prayer: ‘Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.’
It is important to differentiate between stressors which we can do something about and those which are beyond our control. Make a list of your stressors and identify the ones you are in a position to change then make a plan of action.
‘Attitude of gratitude’: It is easy to focus on the negatives, reading stories that make us sad or anxious, talking to friends and colleagues about all that is wrong with our lives and the world. This great expression encourages us to make a conscious effort to think and talk about things which are positive and inspiring.
Breathing: When we are stressed, our breathing tends to become more rapid and shallow which exacerbates our feelings of stress. A great and simple breathing technique is 6-8 breathing. Ideally breathe through your nose. In for the count of 6 and out for the count of 8. The outbreath needs to be slower and this will help you feel more relaxed. Diaphragmatic breathing is one to look up and practise too.
Nature: Try to find ways to incorporate the natural world into your day. It is totally free and such a wonderful stress reliever.
If you’re struggling, remember STAN: Spend time with people who build you up and make you feel good about yourself. Talk to someone. Ask for help. No: If you can feel yourself running on empty, find the courage to put your own needs first and not to feel you have to do everything you are being asked to do.
In conclusion, I recommend that work places adopt a proactive approach to stress with 2 prongs:-
- Workplace issues: Create a workplace culture where people feel able to talk to someone and ask for help if they are struggling. Know your team so that you can recognise when individuals are struggling. Identify specific issues in the workplace which are causing stress and address them.
- Staff issues: Educate staff on stress so they have a better understanding of what makes them feel stressed, how it affects them and what they can do to minimise the potential harm to them and to the business.
By Dr Rebecca Williams of Williams Stress Management
(I have over 20 years experience working as a GP in the Scottish Borders and now run my own business, Williams Stress Management.
You can find more information on me and the ways in which I can help you and your business on my website: https://williamsstressmanagement.co.uk/
Alternatively, if you would prefer to chat on the phone, my number is: 07891669765
My book, ‘Dealing with Stress: the mind, body, spirit way’ provides a useful reference tool for stress, with space for personal reflection and many tips on self-care. It is available from Amazon on the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dealing-Stress-Mind-Body-Spirit/dp/1497493668)
