USA 
United Kingdom
While many will identify April 1st as the time to play a harmless prank on a friend, family member or co-worker, the date also signifies the start of a very important campaign – Stress Awareness Month.
Organised by the UK-based Stress Management Society, the annual period has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. And the last two years have been the most challenging many of us have ever faced.
Each annual Stress Awareness Month focuses on a central theme, with this year’s being Community.
“We have chosen this theme because lack of support can cause loneliness and isolation, which in turn lowers people’s wellbeing, impacts mental health and can lead to mental illness," organisers said on its website.
“Social isolation is an important risk factor for both deteriorating mental health and suicide. As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s vital that the community support experienced by many people during this challenging time continues. Although restrictions have mainly been lifted, people need support now more than ever as they adjust to a new way of living.”
The pandemic has had a hugely detrimental effect on the nation’s mental health and sense of community. Disrupted social lives, the cancellation of large gatherings, travel restrictions and working from home have kept us in one place for long periods of time. However, one of the positives to emerge from this unparalleled situation has been the community spirit and support shown by so many to so many.
Bethan Dacey, Mental Health First Aider at MetLife, comments: “Against a backdrop of increasing uncertainty, it is little wonder so many of us are prioritising our mental wellbeing. Everyone deals with worry, anxiety and stress differently, so it’s important that, across workplaces, employers are creating environments that enable open dialogue. And, importantly, each of us should feel empowered to find those methods that work best for us and that aid our overall wellbeing.
“The hybrid workplace presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Businesses and managers across the UK are working hard to adapt and remind employees of the services available to help them adjust within their employee benefits. For employers, it is worth being mindful of the impact of remote working on employees and the associated challenges of spotting those who are struggling.
“Taking steps as a business to support a healthy and happy workforce in a hybrid setting, can help to boost morale, increase productivity, and ultimately champion workplace wellbeing. And Stress Awareness Month provides employers with the perfect opportunity to establish a conversation and understand how best they can help their teams if they are struggling.”
Below, Bethan shares tips for employers on how to help their employees with stress in the workplace:
Encourage communication
The pandemic has had a major impact on most people. Whether that’s health related, the passing of a loved one, struggling with working from home, caring for a loved one, home schooling or just living through an unprecedented time of the unknown – the list is endless. While some employees will be open about the struggles they are facing, some may feel hesitant. Encouraging open lines of communication and a parental stance, employers can go a long way in building long term trust with staff as they realise their employer is there for them in the tough times as well as the good. Talking can also reduce the burden significantly and therefore expedite an individual’s recovery.
Remember financial wellbeing
One of the ways employers can help to alleviate some concern is by highlighting the financial support available to employees alongside advice on sleep or promoting tools that give practical information on managing daily budgets and savings. As we find ourselves seeing the daily cost of living rise, many are forced to reassess their finances which can quickly elevate financial anxiety. Initiating dialogue around financial wellbeing will assist with breaking down the taboos and providing practical tips to improve financial resilience rather than allowing staff to bury their head in the sand and allowing a difficult financial period to worsen.
Watch out for employee burnout
Facing into an ever increasing backdrop of global uncertainty, elongated periods of stress can lead to burnout. Being aware of changes to an employee’s productivity is vital, managers need to be vigilant when monitoring how individuals interact or show signs of disengagement. People can hide behind a computer and be unseen very easily. The typical ‘calling in sick’ stats may reduce, but the reality can be very different. MetLife’s recent research found that two in five (44%) admit to calling in sick due to feeling exhausted, stressed, depressed, overwhelmed, and unmotivated. Similarly, presenteeism can prove challenging as staff feel unable to take annual leave as it simply increases their workload on their return. You may notice some employees cannot switch off from sending emails and working long hours, even when they are on holiday. Helping employees to plan their annual leave throughout the year can be a small step with a huge benefit. You may also want to consider encouraging a digital detox and mindfulness techniques to encourage better sleep.
Support their overall wellbeing
Traditional benefits – such as retirement, medical, and dental insurance – provide a safety net for employees. But as the world changes and new ways of working accelerate, this is altering what employees want from their employers. MetLife’s Re:Me research shows that 71% of employees feel that companies have a social responsibility to their working, including an increased role in their welfare, wellbeing, and overall happiness. The flexibility of hybrid working enables employees to achieve a better work/life balance as they are able to unwind more easily from the comforts of their home and devote more time to activities outside of work rather than commuting. Employers who support employees in and out of the workplace can help ensure both will thrive today and, in the years, to come.
