Stress at Work MGAW, Tuesday, 15 March 2016Tuesday, 15 March 2016Tuesday, 15 March 2016Tuesday, 15 March 2016Tuesday, 15 March 2016Tuesday, 15 March 2016Tuesday, 15 March 2016Tuesday, 15 March 2016

Stress at Work “We all have different pressures to deal with in our personal life, social life and our work life. Sometimes all of these pressures cause us to become less productive than we otherwise could be.” SOUND FAMILIAR?

Stress at Work What is stress? Stress is the natural result of the demands and pressures of life. Stress is the natural result of the demands and pressures of life. Excessive stress can have harmful effects. Excessive stress can have harmful effects.

Stress at Work Symptoms of stress Tiredness Tiredness Lack of concentration Lack of concentration Insomnia Insomnia Irritability Irritability

Stress at Work Cause of stress Lack of control on what you have to do Lack of control on what you have to do Too much, or not enough work Too much, or not enough work Insecurity Insecurity Poor working conditions Poor working conditions Poor relationships with other team members Poor relationships with other team members Inadequate support or failing to seek support Inadequate support or failing to seek support

Stress at Work Effects of stress Low productivity Low productivity Difficulties with relationships in work and at home Difficulties with relationships in work and at home Poor motivation Poor motivation High levels of being absent High levels of being absent

Stress at Work How to deal with stress Identify the factors that cause stress Identify the factors that cause stress (your link person may be able to alleviate some of the problems if you speak to them). Make sure you have effective ways of relaxing Make sure you have effective ways of relaxing (music, sport, socialising). Develop own personal techniques for handling stressful situations Develop own personal techniques for handling stressful situations (e.g. counting to 10).

Stress at Work How to deal with stress Don’t take on too much Don’t take on too much (don’t do other people’s job for them – stick to your own). Take breaks when they are due. Take breaks when they are due. (bad habit to work in your breaks – that’s not what breaks are for! Review your situation, particularly how you use your time. Review your situation, particularly how you use your time. (don’t procrastinate, task-jumping between incomplete tasks).

Stress at Work How to deal with stress Keep in contact with friends and family Keep in contact with friends and family Get enough sleep Get enough sleep Do seek support and don’t be afraid to ask Do seek support and don’t be afraid to ask Remember laughter is a good therapy Remember laughter is a good therapy