It goes without saying that in the care sector, stress comes as part of the job, but it's important to manage stress levels not only for the needs of patients but for your own mental well being. Good training and the confidence that knowledge brings always help, just as poor training (or none at all!) leads quickly to low levels of motivation and often high levels of stress.
There are, of course, many different factors that contribute towards workplace stress, and more often than not a variety of these factors are in play at the same time.
It may be that a struggling company or organisation is in the position where they need to downsize their workforce. Clearly a situation of this kind will lead to increased stress levels due to the fear that people have of losing their jobs. Given the current difficult economic situation, with further bad news to come in terms of living costs, utilities etc.
Of course, when some workers are laid off it's often the case that their colleagues need to take on more work and responsibility, sometimes without adequate training- another potential trigger for workplace stress. It may be that financial pressures on the company mean even more focus on measurement of performance and productivity, which can further increase the likelihood of stress levels becoming intolerable.
Longer working hours may also result from these changes, which can cause health issues. It's a well-known fact that employees who are struggling with their health will find it difficult to deal with increased stress levels.
Caring for elderly or vulnerable people on a daily basis can be emotionally draining. Sometimes carers can become attached to those they are caring for, which can lead to increased stress and upset if the patient becomes ill or needs to be moved. Care professionals should have someone to talk to- even finding a colleague to chat to regularly can help. Supporting one another and providing a mutual outlet for feelings and concerns in this way can help to reduce the levels of harmful stress.
The harm caused by workplace stress manifests in many ways: physical sickness, depression and mental health issues, reduced productivity (whether in the workplace or through the employee having to take time away from the workplace), and retention issues for the company or organisation.
On the positive side, effective strategies exist for managing and reducing stress levels in the workplace. Here at ACI we provide relevant, empowering training courses for workers in the care sector- and we know from our many years of experience that workers who feel confident in their jobs due to good training are less likely to suffer from unhealthy levels of stress.
Obviously, stress cannot be completely avoided, and there is such a thing as "good" stress as well as "bad". Good stress tends to be motivational- for example, doing tests, needing to work to deadlines, or having to speak in front of other people are all stressful situations, but they are also motivational. Good stress is usually temporary and can even help to improve thinking power and alertness.
Bad stress, on the other hand, is harmful to health, slows you down cognitively and physically, and can cloud your thinking. Clearly that's not a great situation to be in when you work in a role that involves the care of other people.
Stress can also commonly arise from conflict between colleagues, or between workers and managers. In a workplace situation with different personalities, some form of conflict is inevitable. The crucial point here is that any conflict is identified early and controlled- by dealing with the situation in a positive manner through discussion / mediation.
In recent years it's become well-known that those on unpredictable and irregular working hours tend to suffer from stress more than those with clearly defined hours of work. Sudden changes to shift patterns and "zero hours contracts" make it very difficult for people to plan their lives around their work schedule, which can create a feeling of overarching helplessness, as well as make it impossible for them to relax given that they could be called in to work at any point and with no notice.
Where possible, companies and organisations should create consistent working patterns and schedules which helps to mitigate any feelings amongst workers that they're in a constant state of "life chaos" where they find it impossible to plan.
Signs of stress include (but are not limited to):
• Being anxious or depressed
• Stomach pain
• Headaches
• Having no interest or motivation in your job
• Feeling a sense of dread about your job
• Being unable to sleep properly or sufficiently
• Tired all or most of the time
• Finding it a struggle to concentrate on tasks
Some ways of coping with and reducing stress levels:
• Take all the breaks that you're entitled to, preferably outside your workplace
• Help others whenever you have time – it can help take your mind off your own problems
• Limit or even avoid social media where possible
• Exercises / stretches
• Deep breaths / taking a brief "time out"
• Accept that some things are beyond your control and concentrate only on those things you can control
• If you're unwell, stay at home- don't struggle into work and make yourself even worse
