Coping with stress at work

Help for the stressed employee

As an employee, stress at work can creep up on you, or you may be thrown in at the deep end. If you are asking the question “ How do I cope with stress in my workplace?” then you are aware, at least , that there is a problem with stress at work. If you are feeling different about the way you think and react at work, then that may be due to stress. Stress in the workplace is not always obvious. You may notice the following changes in your behaviour or outlook:

• Lack of concentration

• Negative outlook

• Can’t make a clear decision

• Feeling cut off, isolated

• Increased sense of anxiety, nervousness

• Changes in your eating pattern

• Drinking/smoking more

• Finding it hard to sleep

Common causes of stress in the workplace

Stress in the workplace is not a new phenomenon. Much is known about it and, unfortunately it arises frequently. The following have been noted as regular reasons for stress at work:

• No clear job description or chain of command

• Not enough time allowed to complete the job to a proper standard

• No complaints procedures

• No recognition or reward for a job well done

• No job security

• All the responsibility with little or no authority

• Bullying at workplace

• Prejudice and inequality at workplace

• Dangerous working conditions

• Deliberate under use of employee skill

What can I do if I am feeling the signs of stress at work?

You should talk to your manager or employer, if possible. You need to make them aware of the problem so that they can take steps to fix it. Your employer has a legal duty of care towards all employees, including you. If the stress is being caused by the way that work is set up, distributed, supported, resourced, etc then your employer should carry out a risk assessment to see if work can be organised in a better way, so as to reduce the stressors at work. Failure to do so may result in the situation becoming worse and can be deemed a breach of the employer's duty of care towards the employee. Employers are obliged under the Irish Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to ensure safe places of work for all employees, which covers mental as well as physical health and safety.

Discuss the Work Positive management process with your manager/employer. It is a free process. Endorsed by the Health and Safety Authority. It is  designed to encourage a safer workplace for all.

Download       Getting Started ,Work Positive, here;   

If your manager is the source of the problem, try talking to your trade union representative, employee representative, HR department or similar person.

Talk to your GP. It is important that you talk to someone. It will help you to break any sense of isolation. You will be able to take clearer steps to help resolve the cause of stress at work.

Check out your employer's bullying in the workplace policy and their Sick Leave policy .

Where can I get help with what to do next?

If you are feeling stressed out by work related stress, then you can contact us for a free, time limited first consultation, for advice on what to do next.

You can contact us using the orange Yes! Tell me more button below. We will be in touch at a time that suits you.

Download        Guide on Work Related Stress, here ;

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