Be aware of the signs of stress and support colleagues who may confide in you.
Dealing with stress
We all work under varying amounts of pressure, and if this is not excessive, this pressure can stimulate and motivate us and keep us engaged. Work related stress may be defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as being “the adverse reaction people have to excessive work pressures or other types of demand placed on them”. If not excessive, pressure does not necessarily give rise to stress. Although the University’s prime responsibility (see the University's legal duty) is to address staff’s work related stress, it recognises that stress may additionally arise from issues outside work and it will also remain sympathetic to these external sources of stress.
Assessment of stress
As with other hazards, the risk of stress causing harm should be assessed. This need not be a formal process but a qualitative assessment should be made by:
- you being personally aware of the signs and symptoms of stress, both in yourself and your colleagues
- discussing in confidence any symptoms of stress that you may be experiencing, the causes and possible remedial actions with your manager or other support agencies (eg the Occupational health service)
- supporting any colleagues who may confide in you
- discussing work pressures and stress with your line manager during your Performance Development Review (PDR)
- completing the University’s biennial confidential staff opinion survey, in which you can express your views on your work and your wellbeing, including work related stress. Find out about the staff opinion survey.
Further information
Find out about how training, achieving a work-life balance and maintaining a healthy lifestyle which may include sport and wellness activities can all help you to manage negative stress.
