Spotting and tackling stress in the workplace

98% of British small business owners and managers feel stressed at work, with more than a quarter (26%) feeling under pressure for between 75% and 100% of the time. New research by Bibby Financial Services show that the small business sector is particularly prone to suffer from a poor work-life balance.

With stress in the workplace a growing problem Bibby has drawn up the following tips to enable owners and managers to spot the tell tale signs of stress before it terrorises the office:

Watch out for ‘sickies’
The most common side effects of excessive stress levels are irritability, insomnia and difficulty concentrating, however, more serious physical complaints such as migraines, nausea and ulcers can be caused by feelings of stress for prolonged periods of time. A rise in staff taking frequent short spells off work should be a warning bell that morale and confidence is low.

Putting in the hours
Not leaving work on time at the end of the day could indicate there is too much to cope with. Staff who work under added pressure feel that they have to overcompensate for low or fluctuating concentration levels throughout the day by staying late.

Paperwork pile up
If the workspace is turning into a ‘paperwork pile up’, it could indicate staff are feeling so under pressure they are unable to clear things up as they go about their work. This can in turn aggravate feelings of stress and increase negativity.

If any of the above sounds familiar practical steps can be taken to combat the problem:

Don’t depend on long hours
Don’t start depending on your team’s long hours. Chances are they are being put in to make up for poor organisation and planning in the workplace. Get back to grass roots and look at the cause of the problem.

Reward commitment
If you do need the team to go that extra mile and you don’t pay overtime, think creatively about how you can give them other rewards – such as time off in lieu and one-off bonuses – to reward commitment.

Ask around
Find out about staff needs and expectations – what type of work-life balance initiatives would they prefer and how do they see it working in practice? Involving staff in the decision making process will increase the likelihood of success.

Shout about it
Remember to include your commitment to work-life balance in recruitment advertising and explain your staff policies to new joiners. Ensure your policies are comprehensively explained in the staff handbook and in team briefings.

Commenting on the research, David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services, said: “Many entrepreneurs go it alone because they want to be their own boss. However, it’s vital they retain a work-life balance for themselves.

"Not only does it make sound personal sense but a positive work-life balance delivers a number of business benefits including increased staff loyalty, greater motivation of employees, reduced absenteeism, attraction and retention of a talented workforce and improved customer service.”