Creating an open and compassionate workplace culture …
Stress and anxiety can appear differently for each and every one of us… Just as our physical pain thresholds vary, we will all respond and react in individual ways.
Below are a few signs, tips and techniques we can be aware of within ourselves and in support of others:
How can you reduce your workload and create a positive life-work balance:
- Acknowledge your limits. If you have an unrealistically heavy workload, admitting that you can’t do it all is the first step towards getting the situation back under control.
- Prioritise and set realistic goals.
- Take one task at a time.
- Deal with deadlines.
- Be kind to yourself… take breaks, take a walk, touch base with nature or find your own space and quiet.
- Delegate or seek support when required… at work and in your home life.
- Assess yourself – acknowledge how you are feeling… be true to yourself… true to your values
- Set clear boundaries.
- Practice good communication.
- Be more mindful or in the moment. Pause and take three simple breaths – this will give you groundwork for perspective…
How can you help look after your own stress levels:
Building resilience:
Top tips for developing resilience:
- Look after yourself… How are you feeling emotionally and physically?
- Be aware of your diet… https://catherinefaraday.co.uk/nuts-about-nutrition
- Are you sleeping well?… https://www.christabelmajendie.co.uk/
- Be proactive… https://www.wesport.org.uk/getting-active/
- See the good… by creating a greater understanding of who we are, how we respond and react we can adapt a more compassionate acknowledgement of other people and their behaviour… Home – Liz Andrews • Open Dialogue Therapy in Bristol
- Acknowledge circumstances that can’t be changed – focus on what you can control
- Create goals and take appropriate action… one step at a time
- Connect with your people. Be kind to yourself and to others – we are not always aware of what others may be going through…
- Embrace who you are… allow some ‘me time’ to do something new or maybe something you haven’t done in a while – have fun!
Courage is contagious .. learn how to trust in you, your very best friend.
If you would like to know more, click here »How can managers look out for signs of stress in teams and employees?
Could the stress be linked to work pressure, a colleague’s misunderstanding or maybe challenges from outside work?
Creating a greater understanding of who we are, how we react and the behaviour of others can help to mitigate the impact of pressure. It also makes it easier to open engagement, reduce or remove the cause.
Signs of stress in teams
Typically these can appear through:
- Conflict
- Increased staff turnover
- Higher reports of stress
- More sickness absence
- Decreased performance
- An increase in complaints and grievances
- Signs of stress in an employee
A shift in the way someone behaves can be a sign of stress, for example:
- Increased time off
- Poor time-keeping
- Appearing frustrated or irritable
- Reduction in performance
A shift in mindset, such as:
- Mood swings
- Appearing withdrawn
- Lack of motivation, commitment and confidence
- Increased emotional reactions – being more tearful, sensitive or aggressive
- If managers are concerned that an employee is showing some of these signs, they can encourage them to see their GP, as these signs can be symptoms of other conditions. If there is something wrong at work, and this has caused the problem, managers can take action through open engagement.
Remember: whatever our role, we are all human. Managers too may be experiencing emotional challenges, so it is important to practice our own self-care and awareness, set clear boundaries and seek support when required.
If you would like to know more, click here »If you think you have a challenge, talk to your manager, a colleague, or if symptoms continue speak with your GP.
Further useful links:
Help in a crisis: 0300 555 0334