In April – earmarked as Stress Awareness Month in the UK – the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) offered advice to members on how to handle stress in the workplace.
Stress can come from many sources, so the advice to workers is not to try and distinguish between internal and external causes. Anything that affects work performance deserves to be treated seriously.
The union’s approach is to tackle the causes. If members find they are suffering, it reminds them that stress is not a personal weakness and that employers have a legal duty to promote health and safety at work. Secondly, they should try and identify the cause of the pressure: anything from a poor work environment to fear of bullying. Finally, says the PCS, “Don't ignore the issues – they won't just go away.” Talking to a union representative is the first step towards finding a solution.