Stress Awareness Month

April marks an important time of the year, as it is dedicated to Stress Awareness Month.  During this month, the main goal is to increase public awareness about the causes and cures of stress. Promoting effective stress management techniques to enhance mental health and well-being as well as encouraging open conversations to reduce the stigma surrounding stress and mental health issues.

Each year it is important to consider the societal changes and challenges, which is why Stress Awareness Month has had a different theme each year. This year focuses on a #leadwithlove theme, encouraging us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion and acceptance, no matter the challenges we face. [1]

Stress can occur in a variety of situations and environments, more specifically work-related stress. This is a response people may have when presented with high pressure work-related situations or facing tight deadlines. Work related stress is becoming an increasing issue, as shown in 2024 by:

• 25% of UK workers report feeling unable to cope with workplace stress, showing the need for more support.
• 79% of employees are experiencing moderate to high levels of stress within the workplace.
• Signs of burnout are becoming more common, with 63% of UK employees now showing symptoms like exhaustion and disengagement, up from 51% two years ago.[2]

These statistics show the current impact stress has on people individually, but together we can make a difference. Experiencing the effects of stress can be challenging emotionally, and can be caused by many factors at work, such as:

•      A lack of control over our workload
•      High demands on our time and energy
•      Lack of clarity about responsibilities
•      Fear of redundancy or change
•      Poor line management and a lack of support [3]