Cutting the cost of stress - article in the Business Section of The Gloucestershire Echo
One in five people at work suffer from stress - fact. This is a staggering figure. What’s worse is that more than half a million people are ill as a result of workplace stress, suffering from anxiety and depression. Stressed staff are often absent for long periods and even when at work, their performance is likely to be compromised. This in turn impacts on other colleagues. Hence begins a downward cycle. Such incidences increase during tough economic times with many companies struggling to keep going. Tight work deadlines, doing more than one job, lack of managerial support and feeling threatened are just a few of the pressures facing workers today.
It would be wrong to consider all types of stress as negative: positive stress is a good thing. Everyone needs a challenge otherwise life would become boring. However, if the level of pressure is excessive and greater than someone’s ability to cope, it is then that the negative effects of stress become apparent. The most common causes of work-related stress are: excessive workload; poor communication; employees being expected to take on tasks for which they are not qualified and any form of harassment or bullying. The most important thing is to take action: not to leave an unacceptable situation unchecked where it can only get worse. Don’t be in denial about it. Talk to someone (your line manager, the HR department, your GP) and ask for help. Take action immediately to reduce the pressure in whatever way you can. Think seriously about what is important in your life: what you have the power to change and what you cannot change. Make yourself a promise (with a fixed time limit) to regain a healthier balance to your life. You deserve it.
