The UK Careers Fair logo
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
HomeAboutEventsNewsJobsLondon
Exhibit With UsGet a Ticket
Contact Us
Lifestyle
5 min read

Managing Stress In The Workplace

It can seem that the word stress is everywhere and in this fast paced world, is commonly used. Just think of asking ‘How are you feeling?’ to someone you know at work and it wouldn't be too surprising if the answer was ‘I’m stressed out!’, ‘It’s stressful!’ or ‘I’m under so much stress!’.
Written by
Joanna Clare
Content Manager
Published on
July 13, 2023

It can seem that the word stress is everywhere and in this fast paced world, is commonly used. Just think of asking ‘How are you feeling?’ to someone you know at work and it wouldn't be too surprising if the answer was ‘I’m stressed out!’, ‘It’s stressful!’ or ‘I’m under so much stress!’.

Ask someone why they were off last week and you may hear ‘I was suffering from stress!’

Statistics show that almost three quarters of the population in the UK have felt so much stress that they have felt overwhelmed and unable to cope and it seems to affect women more than men.

Around 45% of all illnesses that result in time off work can be linked to stress. A survey showed that the main work-related stress factors are described as being too much pressure being placed upon an individual, too much responsibility and lack of support from managerial staff. With the estimated cost of work related stress within the UK costing a staggering £28 billion pounds per annum due to staff being absent from their jobs, it is definitely an issue that needs highlighting and companies, who have a duty of care towards their employees, must do everything they can to implement adequate support and thus minimise stress within the workplace.

Employees who are under stress may have reduced ability to make decisions which can lead to errors and mistakes being made. Therefore it is imperative that stress is managed effectively and identified early on so the workplace can become a healthy and balanced place to be and where you are comfortable in asking for help, safe in the knowledge that both managers and colleagues are there to support you and one another.

Identifying and recognising areas of stress, especially in yourself, can be difficult but common indications that can be experienced are increased irritability, difficulty in concentrating or remembering things, fatigue, headaches, anxiety symptoms and wanting to isolate yourself from others.

Setting time aside to prioritise self care, even at work, is very important. Taking regular breaks from busy work schedules, eating and drinking well, fresh air and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises can all be implemented at work and can be of huge benefit.

Break large tasks into smaller more manageable steps  where possible which will make it more manageable. Explore time management and try not to focus on unnecessary tasks, delegating where appropriate. Set yourself realistic goals and do not expect too much of yourself. Communicate clearly with colleagues and ask for help if needed.

Give yourself clear boundaries that you adhere to, regarding yourself and your colleagues. Define your working hours and refuse to have to negotiate if you feel you are taking on more responsibilities than you should be.. Limit work related communications once you have finished work and be clear about what you are and are not prepared to do that may jeopardise a healthy work - life balance.

Having supportive relationships in the workplace is imperative. Have honest and open communication with an emphasis on collaboration and sharing workloads equally. Say when you feel overwhelmed and seek support from mentors, trusted colleagues and managerial staff. Discuss how stress affects you and be open to identifying stress in others.

Weekly newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter to keep updated with the latest insights for the freshest trends and know-how in the career realm.
By submitting, you are agreeing to receive our weekly newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time if you no longer wish to receive these updates.
Read about our privacy policy.
Thank you! You're now subscribed to the latest news from The UK Careers Fair.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Latest News

Dive into our latest insights for the freshest trends and know-how in the career realm, updated daily.
Location Guides

Living And Working In Darlington

Joanna Clare
|
Content Manager
September 21, 2023
5 min read
CV Advice

References And Their Role On A CV

Joanna Clare
|
Content Manager
September 20, 2023
5 min read

Upcoming Events

Check out our full and comprehensive list of upcoming events.

Gillingham Careers Fair
September 27, 2023
Portsmouth Careers Fair
September 27, 2023
Swindon Careers Fair
September 28, 2023
Lincoln Careers Fair
September 28, 2023
Cambridge Careers Fair
September 29, 2023
Northampton Careers Fair
September 29, 2023
Derby Careers Fair
October 4, 2023
Ipswich Careers Fair
October 4, 2023
Swansea Careers Fair
October 5, 2023
Bolton Careers Fair
October 5, 2023
Birmingham Careers Fair
October 6, 2023
Preston Careers Fair
October 6, 2023
York Careers Fair
October 11, 2023
Belfast Careers Fair
October 11, 2023
Taunton Careers Fair
October 12, 2023
Loughborough Careers Fair
October 12, 2023
Guildford Careers Fair
October 13, 2023
Inverness Careers Fair
October 17, 2023
Bristol Careers Fair
October 18, 2023
Aberdeen Careers Fair
October 18, 2023
Liverpool Careers Fair
October 18, 2023
Dundee Careers Fair
October 19, 2023
Wigan Careers Fair
October 19, 2023
Reading Careers Fair
October 20, 2023
Stirling Careers Fair
October 20, 2023
Nottingham Careers Fair
October 25, 2023
Bournemouth Careers Fair
October 25, 2023
 TAKE ME THERE