Everybody who has ever worked will at some time in their career face high levels of workplace stress What most of us don’t realise is that you can lose approximately 55 working days in productivity per year according to the most recent Telus Health mental health index. 

As business owners and managers of people, we should be looking out for the early signs of burnout and work on having a Company culture that contributes to lessening the likelihood of burnout.

The index also indicates that thirty-three percent of the UK workforce are finding themselves more stressed than they did prior to the pandemic. With further insight into particularly acute demographics for those aged under 40 where 70% were feeling more stressed. Parents also were sixty percent and managers of people were forty percent. So, if you’re a young parent working as a manager imagine the stress level at play?

We can all see workplace stress is a very big problem and whilst the pandemic was a major contributor there are other reasons as well.

Human beings are averse to change and let’s face it we have and are looking at lots of disruption in recent times and the speed at which this change has come and in fact seems to be accelerating means demands at work are on the up. All the ingredients you need for stress to take hold.

There is no doubt stress is a significant contributor to poor productivity.  The primary reason employees report is their manager relationship (55 working days lost in productivity).  

And what about those of us worrying about losing our jobs?  Those people are losing 54 days of productivity.

How is this contributing to employers leaving their jobs?  It’s estimated ten percent of UK employees considering leaving their employers are doing so due to the increasing strain at work.

So how do we as managers spot the early signs of stress?  Here are some work performance indicators:-

• • Declining or inconsistent performance
  • Uncharacteristic errors
  • Lack of commitment or motivation
  • Lapses in memory

Other signs might be signs of conflict or emotion:-

• • Irritable or mood swings
  • Overreaction
  • Personality clash

There may be a withdrawal that can be recognised by:- 

• • Being late for work
  • Absenteeism
  • Reduced social interaction

Unfortunately, there may also be aggressive behaviour:-

• • Criticism of others
  • Bullying
  • Harassment

And sometimes you might observe your employees having difficulty in relaxing, increased consumption of alcohol, lack of interest in appearance or hygiene and accidents at home and work.

Physically stress can make an impact:-

• • Nervous stumbling speech
  • Tired and lethargic
  • Tension headaches
  • Upset stomach

In summary, if you’re a people manager look out for and recognise the signs of stress in you and the team you lead.  Early intervention is key to keeping you and those around you out of the statistics shown above and firmly in an environment that promotes and cares for its employees.  For help with this and other questions you have, don’t hesitate to ask.