GCSE Learning for Life and Work Work Related Stress

What is work related stress? The feeling of being unable to cope with the demands in the work place can cause stress. There are other factors which may contribute to this, such as bullying or poor working conditions, and even low self-esteem   Photo: Thinkstock 452416343 For Further information: www.hse.gov.uk/stress/furtheradvice/signsandsymptoms.htm Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

What can cause work related stress? There are lots of different factors that can cause work related stress. Work Related Stress Excessive Workload Feeling Inadequate Unrealistic Deadlines Bullying Harassment Poor Working Environment Poor Working Relationships Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Psychological Symptoms Some common psychological symptoms include: feeling that you can't cope being unable to concentrate lacking confidence a loss of motivation and commitment feeling disappointed with yourself indecisiveness http://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/s/stress-workplace Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk Emotional Symptoms You might also have emotional symptoms, such as: negative or depressive feelings increased emotional reactions (for example, you’re more tearful or sensitive) irritability or having a short temper feeling overwhelmed mood swings Thinkstock: 518038421 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk Physical Symptoms You may also get physical symptoms, including: diarrhoea or constipation aches and pains indigestion and nausea headaches weight changes chest pains or tightness in your chest Thinkstock: 603269312 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk Behaviour Your behaviour might also change and may include: eating more or less than usual sleeping too much or too little isolating yourself from others drinking alcohol, smoking or taking illegal drugs to relax Thinkstock: 78155224 78155224 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

How can you tell if you have work related stress? You may find that as well as having some or all of the symptoms listed above, you: often rush to get things done try to be in too many places at once don’t take breaks or miss lunch take work home don't have enough time for exercise or relaxation spend less time with your family don’t take your full holiday entitlement work longer hours Source: http://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/s/stress-workplace Thinkstock: 100709037 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

What are the positive ways that you can deal with work related stress?   What are the positive ways that you can deal with work related stress? Talking to a friend about your worries Making a ‘to do’ list to help plan your workload Speaking to your line manager If your working environment is causing the problem, think of things that could help make it better (i.e. tidying the office) Having positive working relationships Ensuring that you take your lunch break Going outside for fresh air and taking a walk Taking frequent breaks if you are using display screen equipment Trying to stick to your contracted hours Trying not to be negative, this will make you feel worse [BC1]Thinkstock: 14208129 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk Positive Ways   Saying no to any additional work and explain why Making time for your friends and family Taking up / spending time doing a hobby Exercising Speaking to your trade union or management about any harassment or bullying Speaking to your GP Speaking to a support group either in person or over the phone Attending counselling [BC1]Thinkstock: 14208129 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk What are the negative ways that some people may deal with work related stress? Skipping lunch Not taking rest breaks Hiding problems Drinking too much alcohol Abusing prescription drugs Thinkstock: 612750332 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk Negative Ways Abusing non-prescription drugs Not asking for help Working long hours leaving you exhausted Not talking to someone about your problems and ‘bottling it all up’ Taking problems out on your friends and family Thinkstock: 612750332 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Where can I get help from if I am suffering from work related stress? Friends Family GP Work colleagues Your line manager Your HR Department Trade Union Representatives Thinkstock: 519320838 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk Getting Help ACAS http://www.acas.org.uk/ Labour Relations Agency http://www.lra.org.uk/ Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland https://www.hseni.gov.uk/topic/mental-well-being-work NI Business Information https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/identify-signs-stress-employees Action Mental Health http://www.amh.org.uk/about/ NHS Choices http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/workplace-stress.aspx Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/w/work-life-balance Lifeline http://www.lifelinehelpline.info Minding Your Health http://www.mindingyourhead.info Thinkstock: 519320838 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk Emergency If you ever feel that your life or someone’s life is in danger, even if it is due to their mental health, you should always phone 999. Thinkstock: 488280735 Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk