I wonder what employers can do to help manage anxiety in the workplace?

In today’s working environments, anxiety has become all too familiar for employees at all levels. While stress and pressure are inherent to many jobs, the ongoing mental strain that results in workplace anxiety is far more disruptive than most realise.

The mental health foundation found that in 2022/2023 there were an estimated 875,000 workers suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety which resulted in 17.1 million working days lost. By addressing this issue head-on, businesses can not only reduce stress but also foster a culture of well-being that benefits everyone.

This article will explore practical strategies which employers can implement to help create a healthier, more supportive environment for employees dealing with anxiety.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion affecting those at different levels, which includes feelings of dread over anticipated events. It can be characterised by feelings of unease, stress and can have detrimental impacts on a person’s day-to-day life. At its core, anxiety can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response. This leads to physical reactions such as increased heart rate, sweating, trembling and heightened alertness. For some, anxiety is a temporary reaction to specific situations, whereas for others these feelings can occur without a clear cause, creating a constant sense of unease.

Under the Equality Act 2010, anxiety (in some cases) may be protected under the protected characteristic of disability. This means that, so long as a person’s anxiety has an adverse effect on their day-to-day life, they are protected from any discrimination or unfair dismissal. It’s important to note, however, that not all instances of anxiety will be covered by the Equality Act. Nevertheless, for those who do meet the criteria, the Equality Act offers vital legal protection, ensuring they are not disadvantaged or discriminated against due to their mental health condition.

What can cause anxiety in the workplace?

Anxiety in the workplace can be triggered by a variety of factors. This includes:

• Busy workloads: Tight deadlines and high workloads may cause a person stress and anxiety.
• Unrealistic expectations: Pressure to meet impossible targets or perform at an unsustainable level may cause feelings of anxiety.
• Poor management practices: A lack of clear structure, support and guidance from supervisors may impact a person’s stress.
• Personal goals: A person who may be a perfectionist, or has “impostor syndrome” may suffer from more anxiety as they believe they do not deserve their role.

Anxiety is different for every person. Whilst this may cause anxiety for some, others may find different experiences anxiety inducing, such as client meetings, the use of technology or a lack of social interaction between colleagues. Each individual triggers and coping mechanisms are unique.

Understanding and recognising the various factors that contribute to anxiety is essential for fostering a supportive and mentally healthy workplace. Employers must take a holistic approach to address the diverse needs of their employees in order to create an environment that minimises stress and promotes well-being.

How to identify anxiety in the workplace.

Employers play a critical role in recognising anxiety in the workplace, as it can often be difficult for employees to openly discuss their struggles. Identifying signs of anxiety early can help employers provide the necessary support and make adjustments to reduce stress.

Employers can identify anxiety in the workplace by noticing certain signs. Changes in behaviour, such as employees withdrawing from team activities, avoiding meetings or becoming distracted and forgetful, may indicate anxiety. A sudden drop in work quality, missed deadlines, or frequent mistakes can also signal stress. Additionally, increased absenteeism or patterns of lateness may suggest avoidance of stressful situations.

By recognising these signs, employers can create a supportive environment that fosters open dialogue, encouraging employees to address their mental health concerns in a safe and understanding space.

What can employers do to prevent workplace anxiety?

Employers can take proactive steps to prevent anxiety in the workplace by creating a workplace that supports a healthy work environment and minimises stressors. This includes:

• Open communication: Encouraging transparency and ensuring employees are comfortable with discuss mental health concerns will benefit them.
• Realistic expectations: Workloads should be manageable, with achievable deadlines and provide clear, reasonable goals that employees can meet without feeling overwhelmed.
• Training: Training can be provided to help support employees, such as encouraging open communication, dealing with symptoms and more.
• Flexible Working: Allowing flexible working provisions will mean employees could work in a way which they feel comfortable, such as at home or at different hours.
• Employee support or wellness programs: Offer access to mental health resources, such as counselling or wellness programs to help support their mental health.

By adopting these strategies, employers can prevent the onset of workplace anxiety and create a more conducive environment for both productivity and employee well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, workplace anxiety is a growing concern that affects employees and businesses alike. Employers have a responsibility to recognise the signs of anxiety, understand its causes and implement effective strategies to support their teams. By fostering open communication, setting realistic expectations, offering flexibility and providing access to wellness programs, employers can create an environment where employees feel supported and valued. Addressing anxiety in the workplace not only benefits individual well-being but also enhances overall productivity and morale. With proactive measures in place, businesses can reduce the impact of anxiety, leading to a healthier and more successful workplace.

Further Advice

If you have any queries on how to manage employees with anxiety or any other employment-related matters, our Peace of Mind Team is here to provide expert guidance. Our Document Audit Team can also assist in drafting relevant workplace policies.

Contact our Employment Team by emailing employment@warnergoodman.co.uk or calling 023 8071 7717.

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