Hello fans of plans, I hope this blog finds you in a Zen state. If not, read on for information about Stress Awareness Month. 

Stress is something that can, and does, affect us all from time to time. In moderation, it can be a useful thing – it can spur us into action. But prolonged periods of stress can be detrimental to our health. 

Stress can affect both our mental and physical wellbeing – they are 2 sides of the same coin. For example, if we are stressed about something, we may also feel anxious or have low mood. But the physical symptoms of stress can be just as debilitating. It can affect our sleep pattern, it can even effect our digestive system. 

Stress is also one of the top causes of sickness absence in the workplace. So what can we do to help colleagues? Here are a few suggestions for you to consider: 

Upskill your employees as mental health first aiders 

We know it is mandatory to have first aiders in the workplace. But if mental health is to be high on the agenda, then consider offering mental health first aid training to colleagues. Having people at all levels of the business that know how to signpost others when they need help can be a great way to make sure you have lots of approachable options for those that might need help. 

Acknowledge stressful work situations

Map out activities that your colleagues undertake at work. Which ones have the potential to cause high levels of stress? Remember that everyone’s tolerance levels to stress are different, so some tasks may be more stressful to certain individuals than others. Once you have mapped these out, be sure to check on your colleagues regularly to make sure they are ok. 

Empower your line managers 

In addition to mental health first aid training, consider specific training for anyone with line manager responsibilities on how to look out for their team. It might be how to have those difficult conversations if they can see a team member is under pressure, and how to spot the signs of that. It can also help to let them know about how to conduct return to work interviews, when mental wellbeing has been the reason for their absence. 

Create safe spaces 

Creating safe spaces, both in the workplace and virtually can really help colleagues. Maybe there is a space at work that you can set aside as a space colleagues can go if they need a minute to themselves to gather thoughts. You can also create online spaces. Perhaps on your company’s intranet site having an area with help and advice and links to breathing techniques and mindfulness exercises. 

Encouraging annual leave

I know quite a lot of people save up their annual leave for a big event, or even for ‘just in case I need it later in the year.’ But this can be detrimental to mental wellbeing and stress. We all need regular time-out from work, so make sure you encourage your colleagues to take their leave at regular intervals. If you allow colleagues to carry forward annual leave into the next leave year, this can sometimes compound the problem. Consider whether it is a viable option for colleagues to be able to buy extra annual leave. 

And finally… 

And finally fans of plans – always be kind, we never truly know what someone else is going through, or indeed what they have been through in the past. Make time to understand others and notice when you think they might be struggling. As simple sit down with a brew and the question ‘how are you really doing?’ can go a long way to start the support they may need.