Managing the serious risk of workplace stress.

We know work can be stressful and an international study suggests how you deal with it could literally be a matter of life or death.

There is a degree of pressure in every job, some more than most.

If you constantly feel under strain at work it can result in burnout, and a state of physical and emotional exhaustion.

Some employees will tell you they thrive on stress, while others are overwhelmed by it and unable to cope.

Excessive work-related pressure can inevitably cause stress and a have a harmful impact on an employee’s happiness, quality of life, and both mental and physical health.

A recent study indicates that workplace stress in the UK has reached an all-time high in 2024 [1] CITED 21.8.24 Key findings include:

• 51 per cent of employees felt their boss prioritised work output over their mental well-being.
• 41 per cent of employees reported inadequate mental health support at their workplace.
• 45 per cent believed they were less likely to get a promotion if their employer knew they had a mental health issue.

While separate research revealed [2] CITED 21.8.24

• 65 per cent of people cited workload as the biggest cause of workplace stress.
• 37 per cent identified management style as a key cause of workplace stress.

The worrying figures show the vital need for employers to act and address work-related stress, mental health and well-being.

The NHS guidance on work-related stress says if you are experiencing stress at work it is possible you might notice changes in the ways you work, because of the way your thoughts and feelings affect you [3] CITED 21.8.24

It is said such changes may make it harder to be productive, and can negatively impact your behaviour and quality of work.

Some symptoms of work-related stress are listed as:

• Feeling withdrawn, losing your drive and motivation
• Decreasing self confidence
• Intense emotional reactions – for example, being more tearful, sensitive or aggressive
• Jumping to conclusions without considering the facts

• Maximising problems, making them feel much bigger than they are
• Automatically jumping to the worst-case scenario
• Avoiding certain tasks
• Working longer hours
• Taking extra time off work

Stress can have a knock-on and harmful impact on physical health and exacerbate any existing medical conditions.

Over a period of time stress can weaken the immune system, which can make the sufferer more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

It can in some cases lead to worrying and long-term chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.

People cope with or try to manage stress in different ways, some of which can be unhealthy and destructive e.g. alcohol or substance abuse or bad eating habits, which can make the situation even worse.

It does mean, managing stress is essential for maintaining overall physical wellbeing, especially given the reported findings of a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association [4] CITED 21.8.24.

The research suggests work-related stress that stems from job strain and a perceived imbalance between effort and reward may raise the risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm condition.

AFib or AF, atrial fibrillation, is a serious condition that causes disruptions to regular heart rhythm and, if left untreated, can lead to potentially deadly heart failure. It can lead to stroke or other cardiovascular complications.

The study is said to be the first to investigate the link between job strain and effort-reward imbalances and AFib.

Job strain was defined as a work environment in which workers faced high job demands, such as a heavy workload and tight deadlines, and little control over work-related decisions or how to do the work.

In 2023, more than 1.6 million people in the UK were said to be living with AF [5] CITED 21.8.24 That number has increased by 50 per cent in the past decade, reflecting better recognition and diagnosis of the condition.

However, it is estimated that there were at least another 270,000 people in the UK who remained undiagnosed and unaware.

Work-related stress is a well-established issue in the modern work environment, which can constantly move at a rapid pace.

Demands to meet deadlines, hit targets, and a desire to achieve a good work-life balance can take a toll on both an employee and employer.

While the impact and harm of stress suffered by an employee is well known, the  detrimental effect it can have on an employer, in terms of productivity and workplace morale, cannot be underestimated.

This is why it is vitally important for both employers and employees to manage any stress directly caused by work. Here we take a look at what employers can do to alleviate workplace stress and a brief look at what employees can do to avoid it.

What is work-related stress?

It is created when an employee is unable to cope the demands of the job and their ability to do so is eroded.

This can become evident in different ways e.g. physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, as well as emotional issues such as anxiety, irritability and depression.

It  can result in feelings of emptiness, mental exhaustion, loss of motivation and interest in work, absenteeism, staff turnover and even health issues.

Spotting the signs early and being able to effectively address any underlying issues is crucial for the wellbeing of staff and organisational performance.

What an employer can do

Create a positive working environment

This is vital in combatting and managing stress. Employers should actively encourage and seek to establish a workplace culture that is supportive and respectful.

Understand that employees may be uncomfortable talking about stress because of the perceived stigma with such issues. It is why it is important to create an environment that encourages open communication and one in which workers feel at ease and not judged if talking about work-related stress.

Holding regular team meetings, having feedback sessions and having an open-door policy can be hugely beneficial in identifying and dealing with stressors both early and effectively.

Be flexible

Considering and, where practicable, accommodating flexibility in the way in which employees work can significantly reduce stress.

The pandemic and subsequent impact in terms of how many people were forced to work from home during and after it, highlighted the benefits of remote working, flexible hours and hybrid working, which can allow employees to better manage their work-life balance.

This can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced stress levels. Employers should also encourage taking regular breaks during the working day and the use of annual leave to prevent burnout.

Be supportive

If possible provide access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), which can support employees with practical advice on issues that may be negatively impacting on their wellbeing and performance.

Access to counselling and stress management workshops can also be helpful along with promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

Expectations

Excessive workload and unrealistic deadlines are two major contributory factors in stress caused by work. Workloads should be manageable, with any concerns raised by an employee about the demands being placed on them being carefully considered, and deadlines set should be reasonable.

Having clear, achievable goals and the necessary resources and support in place to meet them can help to greatly reduce work pressure on employees.

Regularly reviewing workloads and adjusting them if required can help to prevent excessive stress.

Encouragement

Provide opportunities for professional growth, which can help members of staff to feel more competent and confident in their roles.

Offering training, mentoring and career development opportunities, which can help employees to build necessary skills and progress in their careers. The benefits being this can help to reduce stress – and increase job satisfaction and motivation.

Employees

Manage your time, as effective time management is crucial in reducing work-related stress.

Establish healthy working habits, which can help to lessen the stress of your role.

Be open, do not suffer in silence, and if you are struggling speak to colleagues, management, family members or take advantage of any available support.

Get the right work-life balance, prioritise time for family, friends, leisure pursuits and relaxation.

Finally

Managing work-related stress requires a proactive a joint approach from both employers and employees. It takes a joint effort to reduce work stress and build a supportive work environment.