STRESS is invisible so how can you tell if someone is suffering? If one of your colleagues breaks a leg then there is sufficient evidence that there is something wrong and they may need a helping hand.. If a colleague is stressed at home due to a relationship breakdown or bereavement, they will bring those feelings to work but may choose not to talk about them. How then can you tell if they needs help?
If the work culture and climate is stressful then it may be easier to talk about it as everyone is stressed, but some people worry more than others, and some people cope better than others so how can you tell who is coping and who is not?
CHECK FOR THESE SIGNS
WORK PERFORMANCE
- Reduction in output or productivity.
- Increase in wastage and error rates.
- Poor decision making.
- Deterioration in planning and control of work.
STAFF ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOUR
- Loss of motivation and commitment.
- Staff working increasingly long hours but for diminishing returns.
- Erratic or poor timekeeping.
RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK
- Tension and conflict between colleagues.
- Changes in mood or behaviour.
- Irritable and snappy.
- Poor relationships with clients.
- Increase in industrial relations or disciplinary problems.
SICKNESS ABSENCE
- Increase in overall sickness absence, in particular frequent short periods of absence.
PRESENTEEISM
- Turning up for work when unwell for fear of losing job.