National Stress Awareness Month: Supporting Employees

Stress is a common issue that can affect employees in any workplace, and it's essential for the Management Team and HR to take steps to manage it effectively.

April was National Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the negative effects of stress on our health and well-being. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of stress in our daily lives and take action to manage it effectively. While stress affects everyone, it can be particularly prevalent in the workplace. The good news is that there are many ways to promote a healthy work environment and help employees manage stress effectively. By implementing best practices, HR and the Management Team can help employees cope with stress and create a supportive work environment.

Mental First Aiders

Having Mental Health First Aiders is one of the most effective ways to support employees with stress. These individuals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide confidential support to employees who may be struggling with stress. They can provide guidance on how to manage stress, offer coping mechanisms, and signpost to additional support if required.  One of the key best practices for managing stress in the workplace is to create a culture of open communication. According to Nicky Skelton HR Consultant at Castle HR Solutions, "Employees need to feel comfortable speaking up about their stress levels and mental well-being. By fostering an environment where employees feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings, HR and their Manager can identify potential issues and provide support.  Read more about the benefits of having a mental first aider here (add this link)  ​Is It Time You Had Mental Health First · Castle Employment Group (castle-employment.co.uk)

Employee Wellbeing Policy

Implementing an Employee Wellbeing Policy is essential for your organisation's commitment to managing staff health and well-being. The policy would cover your dedication to employee health, the responsibilities of managers and others for maintaining psychological health, health promotion initiatives, communicating and training on health issues, the range of support available for the maintenance of mental health, and the business’s commitment to handling individual issues.

Stress Survey

Stress can affect both employee health and productivity. While some level of stress is inevitable, it’s important for you to understand how much stress your employees are experiencing and take steps to address it. Another effective way to do this is by implementing a regular employee stress survey. A stress survey is a tool used to measure the level of stress in the workplace and identify areas where improvements can be made.  It typically consists of a series of questions that cover topics such as workload, job satisfaction, relationships with colleagues and managers, and work-life balance. Employees can answer the questions anonymously, which can help them feel more comfortable providing honest feedback. By using data collected from surveys, HR and the Management Team can develop strategies to address stress and promote well-being.

Time for exercise or downtime

Exercise and taking breaks are both also essential for managing stress in the workplace. When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that prepares us for a "fight or flight" response. Exercise can help to reduce cortisol levels in the body, promoting feelings of relaxation and reducing stress levels. By incorporating regular exercise into their routines and taking breaks throughout the day, employees can reduce cortisol levels, boost endorphins, improve physical health, increase productivity, and prevent burnout. Employers can encourage employees to prioritise exercise and breaks by providing access to on-site exercise facilities, allowing time out of the day to attend a gym, exercise class or undertake mindfulness programs or simply encouraging a short walk.

How to spot the signs of stress

One of the most noticeable signs of stress in a colleague is a change in behaviour. This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as becoming withdrawn or irritable, showing a lack of enthusiasm for work, or experiencing mood swings. They may also become more forgetful, making mistakes that they wouldn't typically make, or struggling to concentrate on tasks. Stress can also lead to physical symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, stomach problems, or muscle tension. A colleague who is experiencing stress may also appear more tense or anxious than usual or may have trouble sleeping.

Another indication of stress in a colleague is a change in their work performance. They may become less productive, take longer to complete tasks, or miss deadlines altogether. They may also start making more errors or struggling to keep up with the demands of their workload. If you notice any of these changes in a colleague, it's important to take action. While you may not be able to solve their problems, you can offer support and help them access resources that may be helpful. This could include encouraging them to speak to their manager, the Company’s Mental First Aiders or HR representative, suggesting they take a break, or also potentially recommending that they speak to a professional such as a therapist or counsellor. 

Don’t forget remote workers

Remote workers can experience unique stressors related to working from home, such as feelings of isolation and difficulty balancing work and personal life.  Encourage regular communication with anyone working remotely to provide support and address any concerns they may have. This can include virtual team meetings, one-on-one video calls, and regular check-ins.  Make sure they have access to all the same resources for stress management as those in the office as well as the right technology and support they need to be able to do their job effectively.

Set clear expectations for workloads and working hours to help remote workers establish a routine and avoid overworking. It's also important to encourage remote workers to take breaks and avoid working outside of their designated hours so their work and home life doesn’t become blurred.  

By encouraging communication, promoting work-life balance, offering stress management resources, recognising and rewarding employees, and leading by example, employers can help reduce stress levels and create a healthy work environment. If you have any queries regarding this topic, please feel free to reach out to Castle HR Solutions on info@castlehr.co.uk