Coping with workplace stress

Employees all over the country are feeling the pressure of job insecurity as the recession bites in the private sector and massive cuts are threatened at public sector organisations.

There are a number of telltale signs of workplace stress which include:

• Disrupted sleep pattern
• Becoming increasingly emotional - anger, tearfulness, anxiety or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Becoming negative and lacking confidence
• Headaches, general aches and pains
• Loss of appetite
• Becoming overly-focused on work to the exclusion of other activities
• Forgetfulness
• A need to check and double check things
• Shutting out friends and family
• Feeling unable to cope
• Missing breaks
• Taking work home


It is quite natural to feel slightly worried or anxious if you are experiencing a particularly busy time at work or involved in an important project.

In fact, this can help people become more focused and more alert as the natural response of adrenaline kicks in.

However, it is when this escalates into acute anxiety that it can start hindering a worker’s ability to cope, have an adverse impact on their health and affect their ability to do a good job.

Job insecurity, which is rife in the current economic climate, is another trigger for work-related stress.

There are a variety of factors that can make people feel overly stressed at work:

A poor working environment
• Long hours
• How someone gets on with colleagues
• Job insecurity
• The management style of the company
• An imbalance between the requirements of the job and an employee’s capabilities
• inflexible working hours
• Too much or too little responsibility

Stress is the second biggest occupational health issue in the UK after back problems. It is estimated* that 11.4 million working days were lost in 2008/9 through stress-related illnesses.

If the warning signs of work stress are ignored, they can lead to bigger problems. This can go beyond interfering with job performance, but lead to physical and emotional health problems.”


Here's a guide to avoiding work-related stress.
• Prioritise your work-load and make sure you have a good work-life balance.
• Don’t over commit yourself. Delegate or drop things that are not absolutely necessary.
• Make sure your work environment is comfortable.
• Have regular breaks during the day – even a few minutes can help.
• Talk to someone about how you are feeling.
• Keep physically fit through regular exercise and healthy eating.
• Be aware of excessive smoking or drinking alcohol as this will only make matters worse.

If you are suffering from stress at work you should not suffer in silence but seek help at an early stage. Concerns should be raised with your manager or HR department.

There are cases where it becomes advisable to seek medical help via your GP who can refer you to experts such as the Priory.

Dr Ian Drever, Priory hospital Woking