Workplace stress is something that affects many people in all types of working environments. However, the effects of workplace stress can be harmful and can be caused for several reasons as many employers are increasingly asking employees to do more. For example, a study (Athanasiades et al., 2008) that asked employees from 31 different countries about their working conditions found that employees are experiencing increased stress due to the following reasons:
Not enough time being given to complete daily tasks.
Employees are asked to work too many hours in a week.
Precarious employment situations such as being part-time or receiving unpredictable schedules.
However, even though stress can be common feature of the workplace, those who are experiencing challenges with the level of stress are sometimes reluctant to seek assistance whether its through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) or through private counselling (Athanasiades et al., 2008; Dunning, 2014). This can often be because individuals are worried about privacy concerns and whether this can affect their position at work (Dunning, 2014).
However, it’s a good idea to seek counseling for workplace stress if you're experiencing any of the following:
Feelings of anxiety or depression that has stayed for a long period of time: You feel stressed, anxiety or frequent sadness and you feel it may be time to speak with someone.
Decreased Productivity at Work: If stress is affecting your ability to perform your job effectively or meet deadlines.
You are starting to notice physical ailments are occurring more frequently: You are experiencing headaches, fatigue, or other physical symptoms that seem linked to work stress.
You are not behaving quite like yourself: If you have noticed shifts in your attitude, such as increased irritability, withdrawing from people close to you, or are having difficulty concentrating.
The stress is affecting your homelife: Workplace stress is affecting your relationships, home life, or social activities. You find yourself arguing more with the people you care about.
Not sure how to get out of your situation: You start to think about how to go about leaving your workplace, but you’re feeling stuck about how to move forward.
Need to find new ways to handle stress: You need to find a way to better manage stress related symptoms that are both physical and emotional.
If any of these issues sound familiar, reaching out to a counselor can help to find a source of support and strategies to start figuring out how to handle the situation.
References
Athanasiades, C., Winthrop, A., & Gough, B. (2008). Factors affecting self-referral to counselling services in the workplace: a qualitative study. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 36(3), 257–276. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069880802088937
Dunning, M. (2014, Januaary 6). EAP SERVICES WOEFULLY UNDERUSED BY EMPLOYEES; Lack of information may contribute to perceived mental health stigma. Business Insurance, 48(1), 0008.