Stress - information for staff

Advice on how to cope with stress including information about risk assessment and wellbeing.

Stress is the reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed upon them which are not matched by their ability to cope Any member of staff may be affected by work-related stress. Some individuals may be more vulnerable than others, dependant on their job and domestic pressures. The focus is not merely on the individual but on the work and organisation as a whole. Individuals suffering from stress often display a range of outward signs that may be noticed by colleagues and other managers. It is both a physiological and psychological reaction which occurs when people perceive an imbalance between the combined levels of demand placed upon them, both at home and/or at work, and their capacity to meet those demands.

Stress can be positive and motivating in the short term, helping to achieve success. Prolonged stress, however, can lead to ill health.

To assess your own level of stress you may refer to the link below which will take you to a list of forms, please look for ‘Stress and self assessment’;

Self Assessment Checklist However, you are encouraged to speak to your line manager where possible and in the first instance as your manager may have a discussion and undertake a risk assessment with you based on the information provided in the following document;

Work Related Stress – Information and Guidance for Managers / Supervisors

There are varied sources of information available to support your mental health at;

Staff Health and Wellbeing Hub | The University of Edinburgh

Related Links

Work-related stress and how to manage it: stress risk assessment - HSE

If required having undertaken the self assessment and having had discussion with your manager you require to contact Occupational Health please consider;