Stress will affect all of us at some stage of our lives and in actual fact some stress can be good – motivating us and equipping us with the skills we need to copy with everyday challenges.
But what happens when stress gets out of hand? When the pressures of work and home get too much, stress can have a hugely negative effect, leading to significant health problems, a lack of morale and an overwhelming feeling that you just can’t cope.
For employers, it’s really important to be alert to the signs of stress in members of your team and know what to do to offer the right help and support.
To mark Stress Awareness Month, I’ve put together a few simple tips.
Recognise the signs
The signs of stress will vary from person to person, but according to the Stress Management Society there can be some key signs to look out for. These include:
· Extroverts becoming withdrawn
· Becoming more accident prone
· Becoming short-tempered
· A dramatic change in weight
Across your workforce you may notice changes which include high staff turnover, increased levels of sickness, staff working long hours and not taking their holiday entitlement and low productivity.
If you have noticed a pattern emerging over five days or longer it may be time to get some help.
Take time to talk – and listen
There’s one very simple thing every employer or manager can do and that’s to talk and, perhaps more importantly – listen.
No one knows your team better than you do and taking the time to get to know your team as individuals will not only help you to build better relationships but allow you to recognise any signs of stress.
Be aware of workloads and be particularly alert during any busy periods when deadlines are coming thick and fast.
For larger businesses, you may want to consider the introduction of mental health first-aiders, trained members of staff who are available to talk to when times are tough.
For more support get in touch
If you’re a business owner or manager and need advice about how to manage stress in your workplace, give me a call today.
I can work with you to train your managers and create workflows which help you to minimise stress and get the best out of your team.
Simply get in touch and arrange a chat by visiting www.ena-hr.co.uk