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FAQs

• What is workplace stress?
• How can stress show at work?
• What is the extent of stress in the workplace?
• What can individuals do to combat the effects of stress?
• What is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist?
• What does an Occupational Psychologist do?

What is workplace stress?

This definition provides a central clue as to why managing stress in the workplace is so complex. For not only can pressures be wide-ranging but also those which may seem excessive to one person may not cause any problems to others.

 
How can stress show at work?
Coping with stress can produce a wide range of adverse physical and psychological symptoms, ranging from high blood pressure, ulcers, heart-disease to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.

Some of the more common physiological reactions to stress can be:

• Loss of sleep, resulting in poorer relationships through tiredness and irritability.
• Headaches, back and neck pain which interferes with concentration and increases chances of having a workplace accident.
• Consumption of too much alcohol, possibly leading to excessive risks being taken.

Stress can have other tangible effects, such as in people taking time off or performing badly at work. And obviously all of these reactions can have significant effects on performance at work.

 
What is the extent of stress in the workplace?
A recent TUC survey indicates that stress levels vary in workplaces of different sizes and between the public and private sector. The bigger the workforce, the greater the levels of stress tend to be. Overall, 58 per cent of workers complain of stress at work, and in businesses with over 1,000 employees that figure rose to 63 per cent.

It is now estimated that stress at work costs the UK economy £7billion each year through sick pay, lost production and NHS costs. Stress is also deemed to account for over 6.5 million lost working days a year.

Reported stress levels seem to be greater in the public sector. About two thirds of public sector workers complained of stress at work, compared to less than half in the private sector.

Work-related stress itself is not necessarily an illness. Work related stress is only an issue when it exceeds the individual can realistically cope with. The number of workers who report suffering from stress has increased this year, with three in five workers now indicating that they consider themselves to be stressed at work. This is an increase of two per cent from 2002. The main reasons cited for stress are increased workloads, change at work, staff cuts, long hours and bullying.

 
What can individuals do to combat the effects of stress?
Supported by the government, the IMSA run an annual stress awareness day encouraging individuals to take action to help resolve their personal stress levels. These personal goals could include:

• Maintain regular exercise.
• Eat regular meals.
• Avoid excess coffee, alcohol, nicotine, tranquillisers.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs to suppress your stress levels.
• Try relaxation-breathing exercises.
• Do not concern yourself with things you cannot change or influence.
• Talk to someone – a problem shared is a problem solved.
• Be honest with yourself about how you feel.

As causes of stress are often work related, organisations need to look at external independent organisations that can help establish the problem areas and provide solutions. The result of such external companies will be a happier workforce, thus improved productivity.

 
What is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist?
Chartered Occupational Psychologists are concerned with the performance of people at work. They are interested in understanding how organisations function and how individuals and groups behave at work. There aim is to increase effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction at work.

 
What does an Occupational Psychologist do?
The expertise of the Chartered Occupational Psychologist lies in identifying and realising the full potential of people and creating effective organsiations. These objectives are achieved through identifying abilities and potential, motivating people through job design, assessing performance, helping people and organisations to adapt to change, identifying sources of stress within the workplace and developing methods of preventing and managing stress.
   

For further information on how we can help resolve your concerns about stress at work, call us today on 01225 336 569 or Click Here to fill in our online enquiry form.