“Whether we like to admit or not, our jobs can be a serious source of stress. Despite stress being a natural reaction to danger, when it develops into relentless pressure, it can have a hugely negative impact on our health. This makes raising awareness of how workers and employees can identify, reduce and prevent stress crucial to our everyday wellbeing.
“Employers have a significant influence over stress felt by their workforce, so it is crucial that managers are able to identify when pressure turns into stress and try to prevent it from happening in the first place. Stress Awareness Day is an excellent opportunity to have open discussions and start to understand problems before they escalate.
“Studies have suggested that most people who feel stressed at work do not do anything about it, even though acknowledging its presence is one of the most vital steps in alleviating the issue. About 20 years ago, the topic of stress and mental health in the workplace was completely taboo, but with initiatives like Stress Awareness Day, it has become a much easier conversation to have.
“The role of HR professionals in these discussions is key for a happy and more productive workforce, as their guidance, away from the main hub of an employee’s work, can shed light on alternative viewpoints and, most importantly, solutions. Having employees who can identify when they are beginning to feel stressed and reach out to someone who has received specialist training for guidance, or just a quick chat, is hugely beneficial to the individual and the business alike.”
This guide from Barbour EHS features: Symptoms of Stress, Work Related Stress, Seeking Help and Support, Some Tools to Tackle Stress, Mental Health at Work and the Law.
