1. GCSE Learning for Life and Work
Work Related Stress

2. 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
For Further information:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

3. 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

4. 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
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

5. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

6. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

7. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

8. 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:
Thinkstock:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

9. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

10. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

11. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

12. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

13. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

14. Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk
Getting Help
ACAS
Labour Relations Agency
Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland
NI Business Information
Action Mental Health
NHS Choices
Mental Health Foundation
Lifeline
Minding Your Health
Thinkstock:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk

15. 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:
Images © thinkstockphotos.co.uk