In the fast-paced world of modern workplaces, identifying signs of stress among employees is becoming increasingly crucial for effective employee management.
The ability to recognise and address these signs not only helps individuals cope but also plays a vital role in fostering a healthy and productive work environment.
According to the most recent annual report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), approximately 875,000 UK workers experienced work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in the past year.
Simon Walter, an expert from the health and safety consultancy firm Rhino Safety, emphasises the importance of early detection: “Work-related stress can arise from employee interactions with managers, colleagues, and the organisation as a whole. Spotting these stressors early on is a big step in helping that individual cope.”
Walter outlines the seven key signs employers should be vigilant about, as they may indicate stress among their workforce:
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Increased Emotional Responses
One significant indicator of stress is a noticeable increase in emotional responses. Becoming more sensitive or displaying sudden and extreme emotional reactions can signal heightened stress levels. This may contribute to conflicts and tensions within teams, requiring prompt attention and intervention.
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Higher Staff Turnover
A notable surge in staff turnover can be a red flag indicating dissatisfaction and stress within a team. Creating an open and welcoming work environment becomes imperative to ensure employee happiness and reduce turnover rates.
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More Time off Work
Work-related stress may result in more frequent and extended periods of absence. Employees struggling with an incompatible work environment may opt to work remotely more often or take additional time off work due to physical and mental health concerns.
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Change in Work Schedule
Behavioral changes, such as chronic lateness or excessive working hours, may suggest an employee is stressed. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial, making any drastic changes in an employee’s schedule a potential signal that they are struggling with stress.
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Mood Swings
Oscillations in mood are a clear sign of stress. Employees experiencing extreme calmness followed by irritability may not be effectively processing the sources of their stress, impacting interpersonal relationships and overall workplace dynamics.
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Being Withdrawn
Employees experiencing work-related stress may withdraw from both work-related and social activities. While this may not be significant for individuals who generally avoid socialising, a noticeable change in behavior without explanation warrants further investigation.
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Visibly Tired
Stress can manifest as a decline in both mental and physical well-being. Signs such as constant lethargy and diminished motivation may indicate underlying stressors affecting job satisfaction and performance. Persistent tiredness, not attributable to external factors, could be a sign that an employee requires support in managing their stress levels.
Recognising and addressing these signs promptly is crucial for mitigating the negative impact of work-related stress on individuals and promoting a positive workplace environment.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
