Work-Related Stress: What to Look For
Work-Related Stress: What to Look For
According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress isn’t an illness, but prolonged exposure can lead to illness. Recognizing its signs and symptoms early is vital for maintaining workplace wellbeing and safety.(HSE)
Signs of Stress in Individuals
The HSE outlines behavioural and emotional changes that may indicate stress:
- Mood and Behaviour
- Mood swings
- Withdrawal and being less engaged
- Loss of motivation, confidence, and commitment
- Heightened emotional reactions—being tearful, sensitive, or showing aggression(HSE)
- Attendance and Demeanour
- Taking more time off
- Arriving late to work
- Becoming more nervous or twitchy(HSE)
Signs of Stress in Teams
Stress can also emerge in workplace dynamics—some of the tell-tale signs include:
- Increased arguments among staff
- Higher turnover rates
- More frequent reports of stress
- Rising rates of sickness absence
- Decline in team performance
- Escalation in grievances and complaints(HSE)
Why Spotting These Signs Matters
Recognizing stress early empowers both employees and managers to act—by starting informal conversations, referring to a manager or GP, using wellness tools, or making adjustments to workload or environment.(HSE, Acas)
Prompt identification can:
- Prevent escalation into mental or physical illness
- Safeguard productivity and workplace morale
- Strengthen team cohesion and reduce conflict
- Align with HSE’s approach of managing risk in six areas: Demands, Control, Support, Relationships, Role, and Change(HSE)
Summary Table
| Category | Stress Indicators (HSE-Based) |
| Individual | Mood swings, withdrawal, tearfulness, lateness, nervousness |
| Behavioural | Reduced motivation, confidence, increased absenteeism |
| Team-wide | Arguments, high turnover, sick leave, reduced performance, complaints |
Bottom Line
Work-related stress can quietly erode both individual well-being and organizational health. By monitoring behavioural, emotional, and attendance changes—as outlined by the HSE—employers and employees can intervene early, manage the risk, and uphold a safer, more supportive workplace environment.
Tackling work-related stress using the Management Standards approach (Hyperlink)
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