Feeling stressed at work is a common feeling, but just how normalised should it be? 

April marks Stress Awareness Month, and the campaign aids in raising awareness and increasing understanding around stress and the negative effects it can have both in the workplace and without.  

The Stress Campaigner Mates in Mind recorded that in 2023/24: 

• There were 776,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety. 

• Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 46% of all work-related ill-health cases and 55% of all working days lost due to work-related ill-health. 

The factors cited as causing work-related stress, depression or anxiety included the demands of the job, lack of control, lack of information and support, work relationships, and roles and responsibilities.  

Talking things through with your line manager or a leader you can trust is the first port of call when it comes to managing stress. They may help you tackle it on an individual level or may signpost you to the Staffnet Wellbeing page. This page contains tips and advice on managing stress, as well as a dedicated Stress Awareness Month page. There’s also information on the Health Hero Programme, which can offer you counselling and information too.  

Day-to-day stress may not need much intervention, and if you think you’re able to, here’s how you could try and manage it yourself: 

• Establish clear work and personal priorities and set boundaries. 

• Be reflective of your own stress triggers and how you’ve been able to successfully manage them. 

• Keep in touch and talk to friends and family in your support network. 

• Spend time out in nature and exercising, if that’s possible for you. 

• Try and make time, maybe once a week, to work on a hobby or personal interest- or try something new! 

If you’re a manager dealing with stress within your team, we have also compiled some advice into 4 key tips.  

1. Check in with your team: Schedule regular 1:1s and group meetings with your team, taking care to check-in emotions and mental health, as well as work. 
2. Encourage rest: Encourage colleagues take regular breaks, during the work day and annual leave- could you explore establishing core hours for your team? 
3. Get to know wellbeing: Familiarise yourself with the University’s wellbeing team, and how to signpost colleagues to resources and help, if needed. 
4. Embrace flexibility: Try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to colleague’s needs for the most effective work. Be that hybrid working, office/workplace set up or more. 

If you’re struggling to support your colleagues, or struggling with stress yourself, the University’s wellbeing team has a host of workshops, training and support available, just head over to their dedicated Staffnet page. Email wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk for more information. 

The Employee Assistance Programme HealthHero contact details are below:  
Call 0800 358 5997 or +44 141 271 7555 (landline alternative for international and/or mobile use) to speak to an advisor. Phones lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Related