Workplace stress: what are the signs?

914,000 people have work-related stress, depression or anxiety (HSE, 2022)

These number are taken from the Health & Safety Executive in the UK for the year 2021-2022. I’m sure unofficial figures will be higher.

I see workplace stress a lot in patients in primary care. It shows up as:

• Disrupted and unhealthy eating patterns

• Difficulty sleeping

• Relationship difficulties

• Anxiety and depression

• Migraines

• High blood pressure

• Weakened immune system (people getting colds, viruses, cold sores, styes easily)

• Musculoskeletal pain (particularly neck, shoulders, and lower back)

• Irritability

• Unhealthy alcohol consumption

Though this is anecdotal based on my experience talking to patients in GP surgeries, it doesn’t take away from how real workplace stress is.

Recognising work-related stress is important and talking about it can lead to some surprising outcomes – flexible working patterns; amended duties for a period of time; opportunity for a new role; a new idea or opportunity outside of work altogether, meaning that you leave.

So, if you’re feeling it’s getting too much, say something.

We spend far too much time at work to not enjoy or at least feel comfortable with it.