Mental Health Awareness Week - Expert shares tips to manage anxiety at work

60% employees have stated that their mental health has declined this year as a result of workplace stress. Despite UK employers spending millions on wellness initiatives every year; increasing their spend by 20% since the Pandemic; 55% of professionals still think that their employer is not doing enough to combat stress in the workplace.

Professionals at risk...

According to a poll of 2,000 by recruitment firm Robert Walters, 60% of professionals stated they have suffered from some form of workplace-related stress, which has been onset in 2023.

When asked how often they feel this way, 33% stated:- 'very often,' with a further 27% stating:- 'somewhat often,' and 31% identified it as happening:- 'sometimes.' Just 9% stated that they had not experienced any form of:- 'reoccurring stress' at work this year. Stress symptoms experienced more than 3 times for 7+ days at a time.

The causes...

When asked about what causes workplace stress, concerns over job stability were the most common trigger (45%). Followed by more pressure from management (23%), lack of a pay rise (19%) and taking on a heftier workload this year (13%).

Whose responsibility, is it?

When asked whose responsibility it was to manage workplace stress - 45% of professionals said it was down to HR and senior leaders, followed by line managers (34%) - with only a fraction (18%) thinking it was down to the individual.

However, less than 20% of professionals feel employers are doing enough, a further 27% feel some efforts have been made, but they are lacking - whilst the majority (55%) state that employers simply aren't doing enough.

Chris Poole, Managing Director of Robert Walters:- "UK Employers spend an estimated £100-200 per employee on wellness initiatives and benefits every year; but our survey indicates they may only be applying a band aid. Employers must strike the balance between not breaking the banks or piling pressure onto managers to solve workplace stress but still being proactive and listening to the needs of their employees."

Causes and effects...

Long work hours, heavy workloads, tight deadlines, unclear job expectations, job insecurity, and conflicts with colleagues or supervisors are all factors which contribute towards workplace stress.

If not addressed, workplace stress can snowball into higher turnover rates, levels of employee burnout, absenteeism and lower levels of productivity.

Indeed, 51% of professionals identified their company's output as high:- with almost a quarter noting it was of a low quality.

Chris commentted that:- "Workplace stress is something everyone in a business has a hand in creating; however it is down to senior leaders and HR to set the tone for how it is handled. Simple interventions such as making sure workloads are manageable, setting realistic deadlines and making sure employees have access to support, safe spaces and relevant resources; can all help to alleviate pressure in the workplace as well as professionals' day to day work life."

3 in 5 state that they have started suffering from workplace stress this year

AN event that recognises Sefton residents who make a positive difference in their local communities and beyond is being held in July.

Citizens 4 Good is a joint initiative from Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and the Mayor of Sefton's Office and recognises local people for good deeds, kindness and support that they provide to other members of the community.

They might be a good neighbour, voluntarily run a local group or go above and beyond to ensure your community thrives. You can also nominate Sefton residents, young or old, who have had a positive effect on a wider issue or an international cause.

Taking place on the 5 July 2023, at Bootle Town Hall, the event will be attended by the current Mayor of Sefton, Councillor June Burns as well as the nominees, their guest and the person that nominated them.

Members of the public can nominate by going to the Sefton 4 Good website and filling out the form. Sefton 4 Good is a charity initiative from Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS). It encourages local people to come together and give their time, skills, money and resources to help local good causes.

Event Organiser, Lauren Jones, Volunteer Centre Coordinator said:- "This event shines a light on the good and joy people bring to a community. We are looking forward to celebrating the positive difference people make in Sefton and beyond."

For more information, to nominate or get involved with Sefton 4 Good another way contact us on:- Sefton4Good@SeftonCVS.Org.UK.