Stress is inevitable in a busy workplace. However, the negative impact of stress can be mitigated by management committed to spotting those employees who are struggling and by the implementation of stress training. According to the Health and Safety Executive, 12.5 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2016/17. So, this is an issue that could have very tangible disadvantages if not handled well.
What does a stressed employee look like?
Although all of us have experienced stress at work at some point, we still tend to find it difficult to spot the indications of stress in other people. These are just some of the telltale signs of an employee who is seriously stressed.
- Problems when it comes to decision making
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches and neck and back pain
- Often frustrated at work
- Less productive and efficient
- A more defensive demeanour and issues with communication
- Someone who is often tired and seems constantly physically run down
- Obvious anxiety, worry or nervousness, as well as signs of depression
How does stress training benefit businesses?
Strengthening the bond between business and employee
Providing stress training is a sign to employees that the business understands the stresses of working life and the potential impact on health and happiness - and is proactively doing something about it.
Reducing sick days and absences
If your business is one of those affected by the 12.5 million working days lost due to stress related illnesses then implementing stress training could have a very positive impact on the bottom line. Stress training gives employees the tools to manage the pressure they are under without having to take days off to do it. Better stress management also leads to healthier staff who are much less likely to be absent as a result of illnesses where stress could have had a role to play.
Retaining your talent
Most employees will reach a point where they can no longer tolerate a high stress environment and will decide to move on. If you’re providing tools to everyone in the workplace to mitigate the factors that cause stress then the overall impact is that stress levels drop. The end result will be a business in which employees are happy to envision a long-term future for themselves because the day-to-day experience is one of growth and contentment not stress and anxiety.
Creating a positive company culture
It doesn’t matter what your brand values are or how you’ve defined your strategic vision, if your employees are experiencing stress on a daily basis then this will damage your company culture. Stress training gives everyone in the business the opportunity to better understand what causes stress and how to manage it to preserve crucial relationships and a positive atmosphere at work.
PTP Stress Management training is a practical course that is designed to provide individuals throughout the business with key tools to reduce stress by managing pressure better. Get in touch today to find out more.