Work-related stress is nothing new to the world, as long hours and heavy workload have been well-known issues for a long time. However, modern stress is different as it’s characterized by heightened performance pressures, toxic colleagues, and overall financial stress. Moreover, the numerous global issues contribute to anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
Hence, there can be numerous reasons for work-related stress cases. In the UK, 776,000 workers suffer from it, and they have to manage symptoms like mood swings, loss of motivation, and even being frequently twitchy. In teams, stress manifests as arguments, decreased performance, and increased absenteeism due to sickness.
Stress can affect both the body and the mind, and it’s no wonder that it can damage a person’s ability to function properly. So, how could it add to work-related accidents?
How do accidents at work happen?
In most cases, work-related accidents occur due to a failure to maintain a safe work environment. Whether it’s about uneven flooring, loose wires, or poor obstructions in walkways, employees can be exposed to slips and trips. Although they may seem harmless, these minor causes can lead to serious accidents, especially in industries such as construction and warehousing.
In these sectors, employers may underestimate such hazards, and employees may be affected by their indifference, making the case for a compensation claim, according to No Win No Fee Solicitors in London. If someone is injured due to the employer’s breach of care, which compels them to ensure people are working in safe areas, they can sue and seek the help of an advisor to compensate for the financial distress and injuries.
How can stress contribute to accidents at work?
The many work-related stress symptoms can be physical (fatigue, insomnia, muscular tension), psychological (anxiety, irritability, a reduced ability to concentrate), or behavioural (impatience, disinterest, and problems with interpersonal relationships).
The main stressors can also be diverse depending on the company’s culture:
· Bad management practices;
· Lack of support;
· Role conflicts;
· Challenging demands;
· A difficult physical work environment;
Of course, work-related stress usually comes from the head of the organisation, who can be prone to over-supervision, job insecurity, and a lack of equipment. However, it can also be triggered by insufficient skills for the job, poor relationships with colleagues, or a lack of autonomy.
How can companies prevent stress in the workplace?
A report highlighted that UK workers face considerable job stress compared to those in all of Europe due to tight deadlines and long working hours. Industries such as construction, warehousing, transportation, retail, and hospitality have been noted to present the worst working conditions. In addition, factors such as tax increases and difficult life circumstances contribute to stress.
Businesses must prevent stress at work by at least assessing the bare minimum requirements, such as:
· Ensuring a safe working environment;
· Properly training all employees;
· Being open to discussion with employees regarding their grievances;
· Devising a stress management policy;
It is also important to reduce the need for overtime, which can contribute to injuries. Therefore, reorganising duties and employing extra staff when needed is essential to maintaining constant levels of productivity.
The benefits of less stress in the workplace
While it is crucial for people to feel motivated and committed to their work, that doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice their health for it. People from a workplace where stress is minimal benefit from:
· Less possibility of developing poor mental or physical health;
· Fewer illnesses and injuries;
· More productivity;
· Greater job satisfaction;
· Increased work engagement;
At the same time, companies benefit from reduced costs due to fewer cases of sick leave usage, absences, and an overall staff turnover. In the UK, the costs of workplace injuries accounted for £21.6 billion in 2023, according to the Health and Safety Executive, which also includes the costs of ill health.
What about people who are stressed from other causes?
Many people recognise that they still need to be functional at work, even if a certain aspect of their life leads to high levels of stress. Some might go through an adjustment disorder following a traumatic event in their lives (such as losing a relationship), which might take a week or two to adjust to. Others may deal with the loss of a relative, and so on.
Workers could try a few tips on lowering their stress, so the stress of not being productive at work won’t add to the actual workload, such as the following:
· Doing physical activity daily, such as taking a walk or running;
· Meditating in a quiet place, whether it’s guided imagery or mindfulness;
· Connecting with people as opposed to isolating;
· Getting plenty of qualitative sleep;
In addition, learning to say “no” instead of “yes” all the time is much more important than it seems. We’re often prone to accepting more tasks, covering for colleagues, or even complying with situations that exceed our boundaries, but this only contributes to stress.
Is there a treatment for stress?
If the stress isn’t clinically diagnosed, there’s no usual treatment. Indeed, employees can consult a doctor if they experience prolonged stress, which can have a significant impact on their physical and mental health. Some GPs recommend medication only if stress is causing insomnia (sleeping pills), antidepressants, or something for physical symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In most cases, they guide people towards talking therapy, as it can be the most efficient method of dealing with the underlying problems of stress. However, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and massage can also be efficient in treating the physical symptoms of stress and eliminating some of the burden.
Final thoughts
An increasing number of employees in the UK are dealing with work-related stress, as the workload is often difficult to bear, and corporate environments are not the most relaxing. In addition, construction and manufacturing workers are stressed due to poor safety measures and a lack of interest in protection. Therefore, individuals who are stressed are also more prone to accidents and injuries at work.