Workplace

Counselling
Part 1
Counselling OR Extending a Helping
Relationship?
• Counsellor is a trained professional
• Counsellor has a deep understanding on therapeutic measures of
treatment in escalating mental health disorders.
• Can you consider yourself a Counsellor?
• At workplace, you cannot “Counsel” BUT you CAN extend a helping
hand to a fellow employee to overcome certain stressors.
What can cause workplace stressors?
Personal Life Work
AFFECT
What can cause workplace stressors?
• Long hours • Over-supervision
• Heavy workload • Inadequate working environment
• Changes within the organisation • Lack of proper resources
• Lack of equipment
• Tight deadlines
• Few promotional opportunities
• Changes to duties
• Harassment
• Job insecurity • Discrimination
• Lack of autonomy • Poor relationships with colleagues or bosses
• Boring work • Crisis incidents, such as an armed hold-up or
• Insufficient skills for the job workplace death
What personal factors contribute to
workplace problems?
• Conflict within the family
• Separation / Divorce
• Loss of a loved one
• Childbirth
• Economic problems
• Individual traits
Symptoms of work-related stress

Physical Psychologica Behavioural

symptoms l symptoms symptoms
Physical symptoms
include:
• Fatigue
• Muscular tension
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Sleeping difficulties, such as insomnia
• Gastrointestinal upsets, such as
diarrhoea or constipation
• Dermatological disorders.
Psychological symptoms include:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Discouragement
• Irritability
• Pessimism
• Feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope
• Cognitive difficulties, such as a reduced ability to concentrate or make decisions.
Behavioural
symptoms include:
• An increase in sick days or absenteeism
• Aggression
• Diminished creativity and initiative
• A drop in work performance
• Problems with interpersonal relationships
• Mood swings and irritability
• Lower tolerance of frustration and impatience
• Disinterest
• Isolation.
Benefits of Preventing Stress in Workplace

• Reduced symptoms of poor mental and physical health

• Fewer injuries, less illness and lost time
• Reduced sick leave usage, absences and staff turnover
• Increased productivity
• Greater job satisfaction
• Increased work engagement
• Reduced costs to the employer
• Improved employee health and community wellbeing.
Next Lesson…
• The qualities you should have to help a fellow
employee