Page 27 - BOSS Today Issue 60

DOWN TO BUSINESS BOSS Today #60

Stress is the body’s
reaction to feeling
threatened or under
pressure. The body
releases a hormone called
adrenaline (often called

the “fight or flight”
hormone), which provides
a boost or motivates us
to act quickly.

STRESS TEST

ork life balance is important to help We often consider stress as a mental While we are ultimately responsible
Wus all stay healthy and be effective, health issue, but sustained stress can for our own health, employers also
but what should we do when there is just manifest as physical symptoms, including have a duty to create a healthy work
too much to do? What do we know about stomach problems, headaches and muscle environment; for example, by offering
stress and how should we deal with it? pain, just to name a few. Stress can even flexible working arrangements and
make us behave differently; we may eat training mental health first aiders.
What is Stress? more, drink more and avoid doing the Employees can seek support elsewhere,
Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling things that we usually enjoy. Stress also but employers should not rely solely on
threatened or under pressure. The body directly impacts productivity, leading to employees being able to manage their
releases a hormone called adrenaline burnout, absenteeism, and mistakes on own stress.
(often called the “fight or flight” the job. Employee Assistance Services are
hormone), which provides a boost or In 2022 the HSE published findings a great way for employers to provide
motivates us to act quickly. that there are 1.8 million workers in Great mental health support, offering a variety
According to the NHS, stress is Britain suffering with stress, depression, of services including talking therapies.
“something everyone feels at times, and anxiety, with these symptoms These services can be tailored to your
especially when dealing with change or making up 50% of all new ill health cases. specific requirements. With the advent of
life challenges, such as money worries, Furthermore, an estimated 17 million AI, these services will only get better as a
work issues or relationship problems. working days were lost due to work- result of improvements in accuracy and
A little stress can be a good thing, as it related stress, depression, or anxiety in 24/7 availability.
helps us to get things done or focus on 2021/22. Providing employees with adequate
something that needs our attention.” support can reduce absenteeism, improve
However, too much stress can affect How Can We Manage Stress? morale and productivity, and make
our mood, body, and relationships – How we manage stress can make a big transitions smoother when your company
especially when things feel out of our difference to our mental wellbeing, and goes through changes.
control. It can make us feel anxious and the first step is knowing how it affects us
irritable and affect our self-esteem. and why.

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