Understanding stress in the workplace

People experiencing stress may also show changes in behaviour or work patterns, including:

• Reduced attention, leading to errors or accidents
• Increased self-focus or reduced sensitivity to others
• Increased use of nicotine, alcohol or other substances
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Declining work performance
• Increased sickness absence or lateness
• Working longer hours with reduced productivity
• Expressions of dissatisfaction or feelings of inadequacy
• Difficulty coping with routine tasks

Minimising the risk of stress: self-help strategies

Individuals can support their ability to manage stress by making small, sustainable changes to lifestyle and behaviour.

Being realistic

• Set achievable goals
• Challenge unreasonable demands
• Prioritise tasks and avoid over-commitment
• Tackle tasks promptly where possible
• Plan time to relax and unwind
• Accept that perfection is not realistic

Staying healthy at home

• Aim for sufficient, good-quality sleep
• Maintain a balanced diet and regular meals
• Stay physically active and maintain interests outside work
• Be mindful of alcohol consumption
• Maintain supportive relationships and talk about concerns
• Recognise early warning signs of stress
• Use relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises or taking a bath

Staying healthy at work

• Take regular breaks
• Use annual leave entitlement
• Agree realistic objectives and workloads
• Improve time management, for example by prioritising tasks or working to peak energy times
• Raise concerns with a manager — this may lead to completion of a stress risk assessment to identify workplace solutions

If stress is ongoing and unmanaged, it can lead to exhaustion and may increase the risk of anxiety or depression.

Self-help resources

There are a range of evidence-based resources that individuals may find helpful, including:

• Relaxation exercises – Mind
• Online cognitive behavioural therapy programmes – Living Life to the Full
• Mindfulness information – NHS

Managing stress in the workplace

While initiatives such as promoting physical activity, healthy eating or smoking cessation can support general wellbeing, they do not address the root causes of work-related stress.

Regular, open conversations between managers and employees are essential to identify stressors early and understand what support may be required.

Advice for managers

• Early support and short-term flexibility can protect an employee’s health and help them remain in work.
• Open, supportive discussions provide opportunities to identify concerns, reduce stigma and explore practical solutions.
• Effectively managing workplace stress can lead to improved productivity, reduced absence and cost savings. Managers also have a legal responsibility to manage risks to health.
• Consider reasonable adjustments where appropriate, such as flexible working arrangements or temporary changes to duties.
• Consider signposting employees to appropriate support, including:
  • An Employee Assistance Programme (where available)
  • A private counsellor (for example, via the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
  • Their GP, who can assess overall health and arrange appropriate treatment or referrals, including counselling, CBT or medication if required

Remember: experiencing stress does not mean failure. Stress is a natural response to challenge — the key is recognising it early and managing it effectively.