BLOGS

April is Stress Awareness month - this has been held every year since 1992 to raise awareness of causes and cures for what has been termed the modern stress epidemic.

The last two years have been some of the most challenging many have faced and this has had an impact on all aspects of people’s lives, both home and at work.

The lines between work and home life are more fluid than ever before – with home working sometimes leading to non-stop working and never switching off.  This has long been a danger for the self-employed and business owner/managers and has impacted on the wider workforce with the increase in flexible home working arrangements and home working during the pandemic.

The employer has a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace and this may require carrying out risk assessments where particular circumstances may increase the risk of stress at work. Many employers provide schemes whereby staff can access counselling and other support when they are struggling with stress and may have workplace mental health first aiders and management training in what to look out for and how to approach these issues.

There is also general support out there and guidance and tips. The Stress Management Society has an initiative – The 30 Day Challenge.  This encourages people to pick one action each for Physical, Mental and Emotional wellbeing each day.  They also have various other online resources to help people including a Daily De-Stressing Planner as well as other information and guidance.

There is also guidance on the NHS website and from the Mental Health Foundation.

Mental and emotional health impacts on all aspects of life, whether home, family and relationships or work, performance and relationships with management and co-workers.

Facilitating open discussion and knowing where to find help and support are key.