Five Common Signs of Workplace Stress

ACAS, the government-funded conciliation service, has urged employers to be aware of the five common signs of workplace stress, as it noted that mental health problems continue to cost UK Employers a massive £30 billion a year in lost production, recruitment and absence. ACAS say that employees who are suffering from stress may exhibit unusual behaviours, or sudden mood changes. However, knowing what to look for may help employers to tackle the problem at an early stage. Five common signs of work-related stress, according to ACAS, are:

1. An increase in unexplained absence or sick leave
2. Poor performance or timekeeping
3. Poor decision making
4. A lack of energy
5. Uncommunicative or moody behaviour.

While acknowledging that mental health is complex, ACAS say that there are a number of ways managers can help their employees cope with work-related stress. The workplace experts advise employers to focus on the factors that are within their control and, in this regard, the suite of management standards, developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), can help organisations to tackle the key causes of stress and anxiety at work. Key areas highlighted within the HSE management standards include:

• The work-related demands placed on employees
• How much control employees have in the way they approach their work
• The support — including encouragement, sponsorship and resources — given to employees
• The nature of relationships at work, including the promotion of positive working to avoid conflict and responding quickly to unacceptable behaviour
• The clarity of an employee’s role and responsibilities
• How organisational changes and upheaval are dealt with.