Mastering the Art of Workplace Stress Management

EST is multi-service professional practice offering HR Consultancy, Accountancy and Tax Advice, Wealth Management, Commercial Finance and Organisational Development.

Lynda Walker, HR Consultant at EST, looks at the art of workplace stress management and discusses useful techniques for coping with pressure.

In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environments, stress has become an inherent part of many people’s professional lives. However, art of workplace stress management is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Recognise and Acknowledge Stress: The first step in managing workplace stress is to recognise that it is there. Pay attention to the signs and symptoms of stress, such as feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or fatigued. Acknowledge that stress is a normal part of work life, and by accepting its existence, you can better understand its impact and take proactive steps to address it.

Prioritise and Organise

Feeling overwhelmed often arises from a lack of organisation or unclear priorities. Take time to evaluate your workload and set clear priorities. One of the most effective ways that we organise our work at EST is by creating a to-do list, breaking tasks into manageable chunks. By doing a to-do list you can work your way through addressing the most important tasks first in your day. By organising your work and focusing on essential tasks, you can regain a sense of control and reduce stress levels.

Poor time management is a common cause of workplace stress. Enhance your time management skills by setting boundaries and utilising productivity techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused bursts with short breaks). Avoid overcommitting and learn to say no when necessary.

Utilise Stress-Relief Techniques

Incorporate stress-relief techniques into your daily routine to combat workplace stress. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Physical exercise is also an excellent stress reliever; find activities that work for you, such as yoga, and prioritise them in your schedule. Ensure you have time for activities outside of work that bring you fulfillment and joy. We at EST aim to promote a positive work life balance for all our employees as we believe that by disconnecting from work during non-working hours you will being to feel more in control of your life.

Seek Support and Communication

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when experiencing workplace stress. Talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members about your feelings and concerns. Sometimes, simply sharing your experiences can provide relief and fresh perspectives. Something that we think would be good to consider is seeking professional support through employee assistance programmes or counselling services as they can be a beneficial way to gain support through work without having to speak to your employer. Effective communication and support systems play a crucial role in alleviating stress and fostering a healthier work environment.

Mastering the art of workplace stress management requires self-awareness, effective strategies, and a commitment to self-care. By recognising stress, prioritising and organising tasks, practicing time management, utilising stress-relief techniques, establishing boundaries, seeking support, and embracing work-life balance, individuals can effectively cope with pressure and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling work experience. Remember, workplace stress management is a continual process that requires ongoing effort and adjustment, but the rewards in terms of mental well-being and job satisfaction are well worth it.

How can our HR team help?

We can offer expertise in developing strategies to address workplace stress management, and can support your teams in introducing practices that support well-being and promote a healthy and productive working environment.

EST also offer a range of management training courses which could support your teams in their pursuit of leadership excellence:

Coaching Skills for Managers
Implementing and Managing Change
Working Under Pressure and Developing Resilience
Team Retention, Motivation and Development

Please contact our HR Team if you would like more information about this or any other support in respect of HR or organisational and management development at 02921 303888 or development@est-group.co.uk