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Employees aim to beat the work-stress trap

Thoughtful Talk confidentially to Samaritans any time of the day or night.

Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't bottle it up. We are here for you if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to someone.

New study

A new study has shown that employees permitted to exercise at their place of work have lower levels of stress and are more productive and efficient in their jobs, according to the BBC.

The research, conducted by scientists at Bristol University, involved 200 participants, who were asked to undertake a variety of keep fit initiatives at the workplace, such as in-house gyms and aerobics classes.

Staff taking part in the study reported feeling calmer and happier as a result of the exercise. Many also claimed the sessions helped improve their ability to do their jobs, with improved concentration and increased problem-solving skills cited as primary benefits, the BBC reports.

Lead study author Jo Coulson told the news source: "It is generally well-known now that there are many physical and mental health benefits that can be gained from regular exercise.

"If people try to fit an active break into their working day, they might also experience the added bonus of their whole day feeling much more productive. And that always feels good in our busy lives."

Volunteers taking part in the study filled out questionnaires on their temperament and work rate on two working days of their choosing. On one of these days they were asked to exercise, while on the other they were asked not to.

The study also analysed the Sunday Times' annual list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For from 2006 and found that almost 50 per cent of the listed firms offered gym access or other keep-fit benefits to staff as part of their employment package.

Therefore, Ms Coulson added, "the study also begs the question whether employers can afford not to be encouraging active breaks.

"The suggestion is that employers who are ahead of the game in offering proper onsite facilities actually get less from their employees on days that they do not exercise."

Stress in the workplace

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that over one-third of incidences of ill health in the UK each year can be attributed to workplace stress.

Further, it states that for each case of work-related stress, depression or anxiety-related ill health, an average of 30.6 working days is lost, with a total of 13.5 million working days lost due to mental well-being issues in 2007-8 alone.

Employers are legally obliged to asses the risk of work-related stress in their employment environment under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations of 1999, according to the HSE, which offers guidelines for employers wishing to carry out such assessments.

The HSE website states: "As well as reducing sickness absence costs to an organisation, tackling stress can have a positive effect on employee commitment to work, staff performance and productivity, staff turnover or intention to leave, staff recruitment and retention, customer satisfaction and organisational image and reputation."

James Tighe, clinical nurse research fellow at the Bracton Centre, Oxleas NHS Trust, identifies the common symptoms of stress in an article for the BBC.

These include increased irritability, over-sensitivity to criticism, sleep problems, heavy drinking or smoking, poor concentration, and indigestion.

According to Mr Tighe, stress in the workplace is second only to back problems as the most commonly-reported occupational health issue in the UK. He adds that because there people feel a stigma attached to issues of mental wellbeing, they may often hide their feelings in case their employer thinks they are not capable of fulfilling their role.

Common causes of stress at work cited in the article include problematic relations with colleagues, lack of communication, overt pressure and unrealistic deadlines, poor working conditions, being unhappy in the job, insecurity regarding long-term employment prospects and unsupportive management.

De-stress with Samaritans

One UK company, however, has decided to tackle workplace stress at shop floor level. The On Site Massage Company, in association with Samaritans, will launch National Stress Down Day on February 6^th, 2009, with the aim of helping worn out workers learn to relax and recharge their batteries.

National Stress Down Day is designed to raise awareness of the effects of workplace stress, while simultaneously raising funds for the charity, to continue their work of providing confidential emotional support for those in need.

Offices are being encouraged to get involved, by investing in a pair of eye-catching and comfortable slippers from the charity, while the On Site Massage Company will support the project by donating £6 for every massage they provide for Stress Down Day to Samaritans.

Samaritans offer a 24-hour a day, seven days a week service, providing callers with the opportunity to talk through their problems in a non-judgemental environment, allowing them the space to work through any emotional wellbeing issues they may be having, including those related to workplace stress.

Positive steps

According to James Tighe, there are several positive actions people can take if they are experiencing workplace-related stress.

He recommends talking to a trusted confidante about problems relating to work, using any counselling and support services provided by the company, ensuring you are working regular hours and taking the breaks and holidays you are entitled to and using flexitime options if available.

In another article for the BBC, Tracy Turner states the importance of learning to recognise the symptoms of workplace stress. She says: "One of the first steps to cope with stress is learning to recognise your personal signs and symptoms.

"The way you function on a daily basis may change, or you may notice a difference in your body – such as tense shoulders – thinking, or general sense of wellbeing."

She adds that by being aware of the body's responses to stressful situations, one can then employ self-relaxation methods, such as positive self-talk, or meditation to restore body and mind to a more relaxed state.

If you are experiencing workplace-related stress and would like to talk through your problems in an emotionally supportive environment, you can call Samaritans anytime on 08457 90 90 90 (GB) or 1850 60 90 90 (ROI).