Stress at Work
Stress at Work
Stress at work, according to the Health and Safety Executive 428,000 people in the UK reported work related stress during 2011/12. They believed this was making them ill. This equates to 40% of all work-related illness.
Psychological problems, including stress, anxiety and depression, are behind one in five visits to a GP.
Some pressure at work can be motivating, but when it becomes excessive it can eventually lead to work related stress.
Stress is “adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures and demands placed on them”, according to the HSE.
Symptoms
Symptoms of stress include a pounding heart or palpitations, a dry mouth, headaches, odd aches and pains and loss of appetite for food and sex.
What causes work stress?
The main reasons given for work stress include work pressure, lack of support from managers and work-related violence and bullying.
The way you deal with stress can lead to unhealthy behaviours, such as smoking and drinking.
Ten stress busters
The ten stress busters are are: (follow the link for full explanation)
- Be Active
- Take Control
- Connect with people
- Have some me time
- Challenge yourself
- Avoid Unhealthy habit
- Help other people#
- Work smarter, not harder
- Be positive
- Accept the things you can’t change
Learn to speak out
By taking on too much, you could end up doing nothing well. If you’re extremely busy and your boss asks you to do more, you can say no. Outline your reasons in a specific, measurable way, but always offer a solution.”