Stress - professionals discussion
Stress in the workplace obviously is becoming
more and more commonplace. Can you tell us a little bit about the signs and indications
that someone may be experiencing an unhealthy level of stress? I think the stress in the
workplace can be divided into two things, really. It can be stress caused by workplace
conditions or it can be stress caused by another issue that is played out in the workplace
because it's how you work and that's different. I think with workplace stress it can be something
like moving location of your job, a new manager, feeling bullied, feeling pressure from colleagues
to perform. Maybe you're underperforming, over-performing, anything different like that
that can be recognized. With the other type of stress that may be acted out in the workplace,
it's probably something that you have coped within your personal life, but it's spilt
over into how you do your job. You may not be able to concentrate, you may be turning
up late for work, you may be having sick leave, anything that's different, that's noticeable,
that someone may give you the feedback, maybe at an appraisal, "It's been noticed that...
" etcetera, etcetera. But it's important to look for these factors and offer help where
it's needed. What would you say if someone has this, how would you maybe pick up the
fact that their stress is becoming unhealthy? Because some people do thrive on stress, don't
they? I think a little bit of stress is needed in life, you would be so relaxed you would
fall apart otherwise. But I think that if you recognise that that stress is going over
the top, then you would take action. You might notice that someone is just not as normal.
They are not doing their job as normal, they are not interacting with their colleagues
normally, they are not wanting to do the social bit maybe, withdrawing, maybe tearful, or
you maybe make quite a commonplace remark and they react, well, just different to what
they would normally. They would not laugh or think that was funny, they would just maybe
turn away. It's noticing when someone is different and acting on what you have noticed and offering
them the chance to talk about it.
Recognising Signs of Workplace Stress
Types of Workplace Stress
Workplace stress can manifest in various ways:
- Stress from Workplace Conditions: Includes changes in job location, new management, bullying, or pressure from colleagues.
- Personal Stress Impacting Work: Issues from personal life affecting work performance, such as concentration difficulties or increased absenteeism.
Identifying Unhealthy Levels of Stress
Recognising when stress levels become problematic is crucial:
- Observe changes in behaviour and performance at work, such as reduced productivity or social withdrawal.
- Notice physical and emotional signs like tearfulness, unusual reactions, or reluctance to engage socially.
- Take note of feedback during appraisals or discussions that indicate noticeable changes in behaviour or performance.
Supporting Individuals with Stress
Offering support to colleagues showing signs of stress can make a significant difference:
- Encourage open communication to discuss their challenges and provide assistance.
- Suggest seeking professional help or counselling if stress is significantly impacting their well-being.
- Promote a supportive workplace culture where stress management is prioritised and stigma is reduced.