6 Practical Tips To Reduce Workplace Anxiety

Workplace anxiety is becoming more common every day. It’s safe to say it happens to everyone. However, when your team find themselves constantly stressed that can become overwhelming and a barrier to them living their lives the way they want. This could be an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders caused by work are not as uncommon as you might first think. It’s estimated that 12.7% of sickness absences in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions like anxiety. Given the fast-paced nature of modern work and general life, it’s important that you can identify, address and overcome these issues for your team.

What is Workplace Anxiety?

We know feeling anxious is natural, a standard response from our nervous system. We spend a lot of our daily lives at work, and Mental Health UK notes that one in five people report being affected by anxiety at work.

People in your team may naturally feel anxious about that big presentation next week, a new person joining their close-knit team, or because of something unrelated to work, such as moving house or having a baby. However, when this becomes overwhelming and anxiety around work starts to impact day-to-day life, it can become a detrimental disorder with symptoms which can impact individuals both mentally and physically.

Potential symptoms of workplace anxiety

1. Avoiding spending time with people outside of work, this might be friends or family
2. Constantly worrying about things that haven’t yet happened
3. Crying
4. Getting easily irritated
5. Struggling to sleep
6. Working constantly

Anxiety can impact team dynamics and productivity. Despite how common workplace anxiety can be, managers often feel ill-equipped to support individuals or have meaningful conversations around this. Which is why it’s important to focus on practical tips to help support individuals and best overcome anxiety in your workplace.

The best scenario for everyone involved is someone who is engaged and in the right headspace to deliver the work you know they can produce. Although you may not have all the answers, initial detection of a potential issue is going to be the first step in getting things back on track.

6 Practical Tips to Tackle Workplace Anxiety

Managers are a vital support in tackling workplace anxiety, and this means you can play a crucial role by providing a supportive and ‘mentally healthy’ working environment. Here are some practical tips to consider:

1. Lead by example with open communication

Let your team know it’s ok to talk about their mental health, stresses and anxieties without judgment. You can model healthy behaviours by showing that you prioritise your mental health and wellbeing and providing a safe space to actively listen to any worries (for example, open conversations through regular check-ins, surveys, and an open-door policy)

2. Access to Mental Health Education & Resources

Make sure everyone is aware of what the organisation can provide and, wherever possible, offer resources like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), team-building activities, counselling services, mindfulness workshops and mental health awareness to help employees manage anxiety.

3. Work/Life Balance

Options like flexible hours, remote work, and job-sharing can reduce pressure and improve work-life balance. Ensure breaks and holidays are utilised properly as an important time to recharge.

4. Provide Clear Expectations and Feedback

Ensure your team has clear expectations for their roles and you provide regular, constructive feedback to keep them on track. Anxiety is often fed by a lack of direct feedback.

5. Celebrate the little things

Celebrate achievements to build a positive and encouraging work atmosphere, no matter how small. You can use positive language to motivate and support team members and encourage others to do the same. The aim is to encourage collaboration, social interactions, and peer support to help build a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety.

6. Promote Physical Health

Consider whether you can introduce programmes or benefits which encourage physical activity, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques. The age-old approach to mind, body and spirit has a proven success rate of supporting positive mental health in the workplace.

Addressing anxiety in the workplace is essential as it can have a huge impact day-to-day on your team. Understanding its relevance and impact on your organisation is invaluable. Creating a supportive environment for team members struggling with anxiety involves fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and proactive support. Strong managers can readily identify concerns in their team and will have the confidence to provide support and signposting as needed.

If you have any queries about how to support your employees to reduce workplace anxiety, please do not hesitate to get in contact with Rachel Coupland, or your usual People team contact.

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