How to deal with Stress at Work

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by Rebecca Lister | 11th Feb 2025

Dealing with stress at work

Work can be highly stressful for many. Whether you are juggling demanding deadlines or having to work out how to best manage difficult individuals, work can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing.

With poor mental health cited as the fifth most common reason for sickness absence among working adults in the UK, it is evident that mental wellbeing plays a huge role in how we work and undertake our roles.

Understanding the support available to us is crucial in ensuring that we can look after our mental wellbeing, ensure that stress is managed effectively, and we all feel happier and more confident in our roles.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Understanding the signs and symptoms of stress is essential for managing its impact on both personal and professional life. Stress can manifest in various ways, including emotional, physical, and behavioural changes.

Feelings of stress may present as anxiety, irritability, or a general sense of being overwhelmed. In some cases, prolonged stress can contribute to depression or other mental health conditions, particularly if individuals experience a lack of support in the workplace.

Physically, stress can lead to headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and digestive issues, all of which can negatively affect health and wellbeing. Elevated cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, can also contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances.

The effects of stress on physical health can increase the risk of long-term illnesses, making it crucial to recognise the early warning signs and take preventive action.

Recognising Signs of Stress at Work And What You Can Do To Help

Recognising stress is ever important in ensuring that the appropriate support is provided. Whether this be recognising stress in yourself or your employees, knowing the signs can be confusing and at times stressful in itself.

For some, stress can take the form of feeling a loss of motivation or confidence in our work or day-to-day lives. This can lead to negative feelings of disappointment in oneself. Trying to stay focused on the tasks at hand when feeling down and overwhelmed can be difficult.

Recognising changes to your emotional state and changes in your normal behaviour, is a key step in ensuring you can get the support you need. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed due to workplace stress, taking time to acknowledge your feelings is ever important. Support is always available for you.

Whether this be through workplace services or an external provider, reaching out can help you get back on track.

Common Causes of Workplace Stress

Work-related stress often arises due to excessive workload, unrealistic demands, or high pressure at work. Employees who struggle with job stress often cite shift work, tight deadlines, or challenging work environments as contributing factors. Common causes of workplace stress also include conflicts with colleagues, unsupportive managers, and difficulties in maintaining a life balance.

A lack of support from leadership or peers can exacerbate stress, making it harder for employees to cope with daily challenges. In environments where employees feel undervalued or overworked, productivity can decline, and the risk of burnout increases.

Employers must recognise the importance of fostering a positive and healthy workplace culture to ensure employees feel valued, supported, and healthy at work.

Supporting Employees Who Are Experiencing Stress at Work

For employers, it can be difficult to know when your employees are feeling overwhelmed, especially if they do not reach out for support. If an employee is taking more days off than usual due to sickness, this may be an indicator of a deeper struggle.

Additionally, signs of fatigue or lack of energy within their role, leading to a lack of productivity, may be further signs that not all is well. Treating anyone who you suspect may be feeling overwhelmed with compassion and ensuring that appropriate services are in place is crucial in looking after employee wellness and wellbeing.

Strategies to Manage and Reduce Stress at Work

To mitigate the effects of stress, individuals should explore various coping mechanisms, such as exercise, mindfulness, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Engaging in regular exercise helps regulate stress hormones and improves overall physical health, while mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help employees stay present and focused during stressful situations.

Taking a break when experiencing feelings of stress is also essential. Short, scheduled breaks throughout the day can help employees reset, improve concentration, and enhance productivity. Prioritising sleep is another key factor, as inadequate rest can worsen symptoms of work stress and lead to further health complications.

Employers play a vital role in supporting stress management by promoting open communication, offering resources, and creating a supportive work environment. Encouraging employees to build resilience and providing training on stress reduction strategies can make a significant difference in overall workplace morale.

By understanding the causes of stress and recognising the signs and symptoms of stress, both employees and employers can take proactive steps to create a healthier, more balanced work environment where everyone thrives.

Get Expert HR Support

If you need any help with any employment related matter, please feel free to get in touch and our expert HR Consultants would be happy to help.

At Eclipse HR, we provide tailored HR solutions to support both employees and employers in managing workplace stress effectively.

Our services also include wellness and wellbeing policies, workplace mediation for conflict resolution, and guidance on implementing effective absence management strategies.

Whether you need help addressing the effects of stress on your workforce, improving workload distribution, or fostering resilience within your teams, our HR specialists are here to assist.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business build a positive, productive, and healthy workplace culture.