It is entirely normal for working professionals to experience increased stress and anxiety at some point throughout their careers. As a matter of fact, stress and anxiety have been found to be highly prolific in the UK.
This has been correlated with the Coronavirus pandemic, as an estimated 449,000 individuals report that work-related stress, depression, or anxiety was either caused or made worse by the impact of Covid-19.
However, this prolificacy has encouraged the destigmatisation of mental illness in the workplace, as businesses and employers have come to recognise the importance of awareness, acceptance, and support. Of course, this is complex, and employers sometimes aren’t familiar with the best means of supporting any staff members struggling with stress and anxiety. Understandably, it isn’t something they want to get wrong.
Fortunately, we have an ideal expert on hand to help. Anthony Webb, ‘The Brain Whisperer’ is now showcasing some of the most effective strategies for supporting impacted employees, helping every business enrich the wellbeing of their teams.
- Promote open communication
Recent surveys conducted by mental health charity ‘Mind’ have revealed that 20% of working adults feel they can’t tell their boss if they are stressed at work, whilst one in two employees diagnosed with a mental health condition such as stress, anxiety, or depression haven’t told their manager. Developing a culture of open communication within the workplace allows employees to feel comfortable discussing their personal troubles with without fear of judgement, which is fundamental to their success.
With many businesses now offering remote working opportunities, encouraging communication through something as simple as regular 1-on-1 meetings with each team member, or maintaining an open-door policy, is all the more important; this will facilitate the development of a positive and connected professional environment, with no employees feeling isolated. As open communication has been found to correlate with heightened productivity and engagement amongst employees, communication is evidently an important consideration for business leaders.
- Make employees aware of mental health resources
Increased mental health awareness over recent years has made valuable resources readily available which help employees manage their respective struggles, and employers confidently support their teams.
Mental health apps, online training courses, and support from mental health professionals, for example, all provide pragmatic solutions for helping employees deal with their stress and anxiety. By directing employees towards these resources, whilst implementing their teachings yourself as an employer, you can showcase your commitment to the health and wellbeing of your workforce and ultimately create a more supportive environment.
For example, as a guest speaker I visit businesses and share with their employees valuable advice, practice teachings which help to shift mindsets in the right direction, and ultimately equip team members with the skills and support they need to succeed.
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance
Alongside the traditional 8 hour working day, as many as 3 million UK employees have found themselves working, on average, an additional 7.7 hours per week, with many finding themselves checking their emails or finishing tasks late on into the night.
This increasingly demanding work culture has become one of the most significant factors behind stress and anxiety among working adults. Therefore, if employers hope to tackle these struggles, it’s incredibly important that they encourage their staff to enjoy and maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Whilst flexible working opportunities can help staff sustain an effective work-life balance, there are further approaches which can be implemented. For example, regularly reviewing workloads can help managers identify team members who are being overworked, alongside those with capacity to support their colleagues. I would recommend that employers regularly discuss workloads with their team members to ensure they are not feeling overwhelmed or overridden; in doing so, a balance can be found which benefits both employers and employees alike.
Overall, it is crucial that employers engage with their staff, encouraging open communication with regards to stress and anxiety.
You must show that you care about their wellbeing, are willing to provide necessary flexibility and support should this be required and aren’t doing so as a novelty. The benefits to this are mutual, with subsequent employee satisfaction boosting productivity; this is something every business ought to prioritise.