Employee Factsheet

November 2018

Stress in the Workplace

Indicators of stress:
• fatigue, poor motivation

• making mistakes, having accidents

• deteriorating relationships with colleagues, irritability, indecisiveness, absenteeism,

excessive smoking, drinking, overeating, etc

• physical symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and general aches and pains.

Long-term health effects:

• high blood pressure

• heart disease
Did you know?

• ulcers • Fact 1: In the past year, 74% of people

in the UK have felt so stressed they have
• thyroid disorders been overwhelmed or unable to cope
(2018).
• gastrointestinal disorders

• psychological effects, such as anxiety and depression • Fact 2: 440,000 people in Britain believe
that they experience work- related stress
• other behaviours, like skipping meals, drinking too much alcohol and excessive
at a level that makes them ill.
smoking.
• Fact 3: 32% of adults said they had
experienced suicidal feelings as a result
Work-related stress hazards: of stress (2018).

• poor physical or environmental conditions, eg noise, heat, lighting or cleanliness

• excessive workloads
“ANYONE can suffer from
• irregular working patterns
work-related stress”
• changes in working times or unsocial hours

• task-related factors – physically or mentally beyond the individual’s capacity, repetitive

or boring, etc
Do you know?
• interpersonal factors – day-to-day interaction with people, abuse and harassment
• where to obtain information and
• role ambiguity – no clear idea of what is expected
guidance?

• role conflict – opposing demands are made

• how to seek help and support?
• little or no recognition for work done
Talk to your health and safety representative
• personal threat – to personal safety or fear of redundancy or dismissal or HR Department if the answer is NO to
either of these questions.
• lone working

• major changes occurring within the organisation

• pressure from time constraints or deadlines, etc.

Stress in the Workplace
Your responsibilities:
• raise any issues of concern with your line manager or human resources department

• accept opportunities for counselling when recommended

• cooperate and be meaningfully involved in the risk assessment process

• be supportive of colleagues

• look out for signs and symptoms of distress in yourself and others

• practice self-care through diet, exercise, sleep and managing your thinking

• report cases of bullying or harassment.

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