By Mark Smith 01/04/2024

Under: Team Welfare / Health and Safety News

Stress Awareness Month: How to improve employee well-being

In today’s fast-paced environment, it is not uncommon for people to feel the pressures of stress from time to time. Work-related stresses can sometimes motivate workers to hit deadlines, but for others, it can have a negative impact on their mental and physical well-being. According to the Mental Health Foundation in 2021 74% of UK adults felt so stressed at some point they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope with life.  Sadly, the most common cause of stress is work-related, with a whopping 79% according to Statistica.

 

What is stress awareness month? 

Stress Awareness Month is a worldwide campaign introduced to increase public awareness of the negative impact stress can have on our bodies and minds. It's an opportunity to educate individuals, communities, and organisations about the methods that can be adapted to help individuals improve their well-being, as well as ways to manage and reduce stress levels.

 

When is stress awareness month? 

Stress Awareness Month has taken place every April since 1992. Throughout this month, various campaigns have been organised to raise awareness and shine a light on everyday stresses and the negative impact stress is having on our lives.

Signs and symptoms of stress 

According to the NHS, the following symptoms can be a result of stress:

Physical symptoms

• headaches or dizziness
• muscle tension
• stomach issues
• chest pain or fast heartbeat
• sexual problems

Mental symptoms

• lack of concentration
• indecisiveness
• feeling overwhelmed
• ongoing worrying
• forgetfulness

 

How to Celebrate Stress Awareness Month 2024? 

Individuals, societies, and organisations all have a role to play in adapting strategies to reduce stress in the workplace and encourage a happy and productive working environment. After all, we all have the right to feel happy and safe at work.

An individual can celebrate stress awareness month by incorporating positive self-care practices into their daily routine. This could include mindful activities such as yoga, meditation, exercise, deep breathing exercises, or even taking a long walk outdoors.

Societies can have a positive impact by encouraging open discussions with individuals who might be displaying signs of stress. Initiating a conversation with a friend, family member or co-worker about stress and mental health can be the support they need. A problem shared is a problem halved!

Organisations can help by introducing educational workshops. They can encourage employees to attend stress management workshops or webinars to learn effective coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques not only for themselves but to also filter through to their teams.

 

Why is Stress Awareness Month Important? 

Stress Awareness Month 2024 is an opportunity for employers to check that their staff are happy and their mental health and stress levels are not suffering. If stress is becoming overwhelming, act fast and seek support from a mental health professional such as MIND.

Stress Awareness Month helps to break the stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging open and honest conversations and promoting self-care and well-being practices. Having access to and knowledge of crucial signage regarding mental health first aid can empower employees to seek assistance when they feel they are unable to continue working. Knowing who to speak to for mental help first aid will help enhance awareness and build a more supportive workplace culture. 

Addressing stress in the workplace, not only gives the individuals mental and physical health benefits, but the organisation should also see an improvement in productivity across the company.

Stress Awareness Month is therefore a crucial time to prioritise mental health, learn how to spot the symptoms of stress, and develop constructive coping mechanisms as a team. By coming together as a team we can build an environment that is more resilient to stress by uniting and making sure well-being is our top priority.