How does stress in the workplace impact performance?

This month is Stress Awareness Month. Our previous blog looked at what stress is, but this blog looks at how it can impact your work performance and how your managers and employees can help manage it.  

Stress at work can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and muscle tension. Long-term stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses. 

Chronic stress can cause anxiety, depression and impair cognitive function, affecting concentration, decision-making, and memory. 

High levels of stress can hinder productivity and performance at work. It may lead to decreased motivation, difficulty in focusing, and an increase in errors or accidents. 

Stress can strain relationships with coworkers, managers, and even family members. Irritability, mood swings, and withdrawal are common behavioural responses to stress that can impact communication and collaboration. 

Prolonged exposure to stress without adequate coping mechanisms can result in burnout. Burnout is characterised by emotional exhaustion, cynicism or detachment from work, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. It can lead to disengagement and ultimately impact job satisfaction and retention. 

Stress at work may contribute to a negative work environment, characterised by tension, conflict, and a lack of cohesion among team members. 

Overall, the impact of stress at work is multifaceted and can affect various aspects of an individual’s life. It’s essential for both employers and employees to prioritise strategies for managing and mitigating workplace stress to promote well-being and productivity. 

So how can you support your team to manage stress in the workplace?

To support managers and employees in managing workplace stress, organisations can implement various strategies such as encouraging employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, promoting time-off policies, and discouraging after-hours work emails or calls. 

Offer training sessions or workshops to educate employees and managers about stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, time management, and effective communication skills. 

Foster a culture where employees feel comfortable expressing concerns about workload, deadlines, or other stressors. Encourage regular check-ins between managers and their teams to discuss workload distribution and potential sources of stress. 

Provide access to confidential counselling services through EAPs to support employees dealing with personal or work-related stressors. 

Create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, recognised for their contributions, and supported by their peers and managers. 

Offer resources such as wellness programs, on-site fitness facilities, or access to mental health resources to help employees manage stress and prioritise their well-being. 

By implementing some of these strategies, organisations can help managers and employees effectively manage workplace stress, ultimately improving performance, morale, and overall well-being. 

We offer mental health training courses that help you recognise signs of stress and learn how to manage it.  

To find out more about the courses we can offer you, visit bnsheconsultancy.com or contact us on info@bnshe.co.uk.  

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