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Pressure and Stress
Common Questions

What is stress?
An adverse reaction a person has to excessive pressures or other types of demands placed upon them.
It is not a disease nor is it an indication of individual weakness.
 
What are the HSE management standards?
The management standards relate to 6 areas of work design that, if not properly managed, are associated with poor health and well-being, lower productivity, and increased sickness absence.  They define a set of conditions that an organisation should be working towards in relation to prevention of work-related stress
 
They cover the primary sources of stress at work:
  • demands 
  • control
  • support
  • relationships
  • role
  • change
As a manager, what should I do if I am concerned that one of my team is experiencing work-related stress?
If you feel that a member of your team is experiencing work-related stress. There are some practical things you can do:
  • Develop skills to help deal with stressed or distressed people (LPP workshop)
  • Try not to be panic about emotion - acceptance, reassurance, and a calm response will help.
  • Don't penalise them for feeling the effects of too much pressure
  • Encourage them to manage their own well-being and provide them with support.
  • Ensure that they are aware of the external support available to them BBC confidential counselling service
  • Employee Assistance Program. 
  • At a suitable time explore whether work is a factor, and discuss whether work adjustments might help.
  • Consider approaching HR or occupational health for further advice. This is particularly relevant when the individual has had time off work, or their health is affecting their ability to work effective
How can I help myself?
  • Talking to your manager - if they don't know there's a problem, they can't help. If you don't feel able to talk to your manager directly, ask a colleague or an employee representative to raise the issue on your behalf.
  • Contacting the BBC confidential counselling service 
  • Speaking to your GP if you are worried about your health, and considering being referred to occupational health for advice on how this can be managed in relation to your work.
  • Discussing with your manager whether it is possible to alter your job to make it less stressful for you.
  • Recognising your and your colleagues' needs
  • Trying to channel your energy into solving the problem rather than just worrying about it.
It is important to take action at a personal level and to review your lifestyle to see if you can identify any contributing factors. Examples might include:
  • eating on the run, or in a disorganised manner
  • smoking, or drinking excessively
  • rushing, hurrying, being available to everyone
  • doing several jobs at once
  • missing breaks, taking work home with you
  • having no time for exercise and relaxation
The following advice will not prevent work-related stress, but may help you take care of yourself:
  • eating healthily
  • stopping smoking
  • not drinking to excess
  • watching your caffeine intake
  • taking regular exercise
  • learning relaxation techniques
  • Talking to family and friends about how you are feeling.
In some cases, prolonged stress can lead to physical and/or mental ill health. If you think you are currently experiencing stress-related ill health you may benefit from a discussion with your GP or occupational health.