National Stress Awareness Day: The Hidden Costs of Stress in the Workplace

As we approach National Stress Awareness Day on November 6th, 2024, it’s essential to take a moment to recognise the significant impact that stress can have on our daily lives, particularly in the workplace. This day serves as a reminder to assess how stress affects not only individual well-being but also overall productivity and safety in the workplace. With a staggering 79% of people affected by work-related stress, understanding its implications is crucial for fostering a healthier work environment. 

What is stress?

Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Did you know one in five over 16s in the UK are stressed every single day? When stress continues over a long period of time it can create feelings of pressure and overwhelm – this is known as chronic stress.

While a healthy amount of stress can boost productivity and performance, prolonged exposure to stress can have significant health and safety implications. As an employer It’s crucial to understand stress and take proactive steps as an employer to protect both your business and your employees.

Chronic stress and employee absenteeism

Stress is a major cause of absenteeism in the workplace. Employees with high stress levels are more likely to take time off to recover, either due to physical ailments worsened by stress or the need for mental health days. The HSE has recently reported that around half of work-related ill health is attributable to stress, depression, or anxiety, with each affected individual taking an average of 19.6 days off work per year. This frequent absenteeism disrupts workflow and places additional strain on remaining staff, potentially creating a cycle of stress and absenteeism. 

When considering how chronic stress can affect your employees, there are numerous health implications to consider.

• Cardiovascular diseases: Stress increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.
• Mental health disorders: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions can be exacerbated by stress.
• Gastrointestinal problems: Stress can lead to issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcers.
• Weakened immune system: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.
• Musculoskeletal problems: Stress can cause muscle tension, leading to pain and discomfort.

This illustrates how stress can contribute to higher levels of absenteeism, emphasising its importance as a consideration when creating a healthy workplace environment.

Stress and safety at work

Stress not only impacts workplace productivity but also plays a critical role in safety. Here are a few examples of how stress can negatively impact safety at work.

• Reduced concentration and focus: Stress can impair the brain’s ability to think clearly, resulting in decreased concentration and attention. This can heighten the risk of accidents and errors, particularly in high-stakes environments such as construction sites or when operating heavy machinery.
• Fatigue: Chronic stress can lead to fatigue, causing reduced alertness, increasing the likelihood of accidents happening.
• Impaired decision-making: Stress can affect judgment and decision-making abilities, leading stressed individuals to make poor choices that compromise safety.
• Increased risk-taking behaviour: Some individuals may engage in riskier behaviours as a coping mechanism for stress, further jeopardising safety protocols.

What can you do as a business?

As stated by the HSE, “The law requires all employers to prevent work-related stress to support good mental health in the workplace by conducting a risk assessment and taking appropriate action. Failing to manage stress at work can cost employers in terms of reduced productivity, increased sickness absence, or the loss of team members.” 

As a business, there are several actions you can take to help mitigate the risks that stress poses to your workforce. Here are just a few suggestions. 

1. Recognising stress as a hazard: Treating stress as a legitimate hazard in the workplace, like physical hazards like slips, trips, and falls, is a great starting point. You can conduct stress risk assessments to gain insight into potential stressors.
2. Implementing preventive measures: Developing policies and practices to reduce workplace stress can be accomplished in several ways. This might include flexible work arrangements, reasonable workloads, and providing access to mental health resources.
3. Encourage regular breaks: Promoting the importance of taking regular breaks to recharge will help your employees manage their own stress. Encourage them to step away from their desks, take short walks, or practice relaxation techniques. You could also support their well-being by encouraging them to take holidays and avoid excessive overtime.
4. Providing support resources: You can offer resources such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), counselling services, and stress management workshops. Being able to access to these resources can help employees effectively manage their stress.
5. Train managers to recognise and address stress: Equipping managers with the skills to recognise signs of stress in their teams will help them to provide appropriate support. Effective leadership can make a significant difference in managing workplace stress and stop stress worsening.
6. Foster a positive work environment: Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture can help to minimise stress. Recognising and rewarding employee achievements, encouraging open communication, and providing opportunities for professional growth are just some of the ways you can do this.

Got an employee signed-off with stress? Here are some tips on how to handle it.

In short…

As National Stress Awareness Day approaches, take the time to evaluate your organisation’s approach to stress management. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and implementing supportive measures can lead to a more resilient workforce.