Drive by Friday

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Drive by Friday –

Keep Calm and Carry On – now there’s a quote we hear oh so often. Just how do we understand what causes that stress, its effects and how we might be able to manage or reduce that stress. Let’s see if we can all dodge workplace stress.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF WORKPLACE STRESS?

High Workload and Long Hours – excess work demands and extended working hours are major contributors to stress
Job Insecurity – concerns about job stability can lead to anxiety and stress
Lack of Control – employees who feel they have little control over their work or are micromanaged often experience higher stress levels
Poor Work-Life Balance – difficulty balancing work responsibilities with personal life can increase stress
Unclear Job Expectations – ambiguity about job roles and responsibilities can cause stress due to uncertainty
Interpersonal Conflict – tensions with colleagues or managers can lead to a stressful work environment
Inadequate Support – lack of support from management or colleagues can make coping with job demands more difficult

EFFECTS OF WORKPLACE STRESS

The effects of workplace stress can lead to:

Physical Health Problems
Mental Health Issues
Decreased Productivity
Increased Absenteeism
High Turnover Rates

HOW DO WE MANAGE AND REDUCE WORKPLACE STRESS?

Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance: maybe adopt the “Right to Disconnect”. From an employer’s perspective we could encourage employees to take breaks, use vacation time, and maintain some boundaries between work and personal life.

Improve Communication: clear communication about job expectations, roles, and changes within the organisation can reduce uncertainty and stress.

Provide Support and Resources: offering employee assistance programs, stress management workshops, and mental health resources can help employees cope with stress.

Foster a Positive Work Environment: build a culture of respect, support, and collaboration can help reduce stress from interpersonal conflicts.

Offer Flexibility: allowing flexible work hours or remote work options can help employees manage their stress better.

TRENDS & INSIGHTS

Post-Pandemic Stress: the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified workplace stress due to changes in the work environment, such as remote working, job insecurity, and health concerns.

Technology and Stress: while technology can improve efficiency, constant connectivity and the blurring of work-life boundaries can increase stress.

Mental Health Awareness: there’s growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the workplace, leading to more initiatives focused on reducing stress.

TAKE A BREATHER, YOU’VE GOT THIS …

Understanding and addressing workplace stress is crucial for maintaining employee well-being and productivity. Be mindful of others and if someone isn’t coping ask them if they R OK.

Some further material on mental health and R U OK can be found on the R U OK site

Plan your R U OK?Day activities | R U OK?