What is Stress?
Stress is a physical response. Under stress, the body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode, releasing a complex mix of hormones and chemicals to prepare the body for physical action. This causes a number of reactions, such as blood being diverted to muscles, to shutting down unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion.
There are very few situations in modern working life where this response is useful. In fact, it needs to be controlled to avoid problems of poor health and burnout.
Valentine OH believe a proactive approach to stress within the workplace can not only reduce sickness absence, but also create a happier workforce and environment and so increase productivity.
The Society for Stress Management offer the following advice in reducing stress within the workplace;
Take stress seriously!
Tackling stress is part of your Health and Safety responsibilities and employers are legally obliged to take action if you have such a problem at work.
Communicate well
Keep employees informed about workplace changes.
Be clear about job roles and targets, and be sensitive in the way you communicate.
Give feedback
Feedback can improve employees confidence and keep them informed on areas to work on. This can provide a consistent approach to prevent an overload of criticisms which can impact on stress levels.
Remember the team
Focus on creating good team spirit and get all staff involved and engaged. Organise company events out and wellbeing days. Being valued and involved like this is a major factor in happiness at work.
Ask for opinions
People often feel stressed when they are powerless over their job content. So if change is required, consult those involved so they can have a say in work-related decisions.
