Managing stress In this feature warning signs l work-life balance l building resilience In light of increasing workloads and decreasing resources, Janice Haddon offers trading standards officers advice on combating stress Under pressure T he trading standards profession is in crisis with dwindling budgets and fewer staff than ever before. It came as no surprise that the recent National Audit Office survey found gaps in local coverage and departments stripped to the bare bones after seeing a 60 per cent drop in funding in the past five years. This trend for downsizing, and the subsequent loss of resources, has put an enormous strain on both the system and its workers. So how can we combat pressure and stress in the workplace, especially in an industry suffering an increasing workload and a reduction in staff? What should you do if you suddenly find yourself responsible for 263 pieces of legislation, as some officers have? If individuals are unable to switch-off outside of work, then the stress that follows will affect their behaviour and performance in the workplace Effects of stress In the short-term, excess stress triggers the fight-or-flight response. When a situation becomes too stressful, our brain relies on instinctive behaviours. The amygdala (a collection of neurons deep within the temporal lobes of the brain) hijacks our rational brain, floods the bodywith adrenaline and mobilises us to either stand and fight or runaway. In small doses, stress can be good. It can act as a motivator. It can drive people forward. It can focus a person on a specific activity or goal. Some people thrive on stress, on being under pressure. In some, it can increase performance levels and output. But what motivates one person, can demotivate another. And businesses, organisations and leaders need to be aware of that. In a high-pressure environment, stresscan build quickly and, for some people, it can have quite damaging effects. A prolonged exposure to anxiety and stress can leave people depleted, overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily challenges. Toensure we dont fall foul of the negative effects of stress, its important that we keep a watchful eye on our own stress levels, be mindful of potential triggers and recognise when weve exceeded our capacity to cope. Warning signs The best way to combat stress is to be aware of its warning signs: headaches; anxiousness; sleeplessness; loss of concentration; and poor communication. Asmentioned previously, stress affects people in To be healthy in different ways, but the signs and symptoms are easy the workplace, enough to spot. In the workplace, you may find that you need to pay colleagues or employees who are suffering from stress attention to your are irritable, moody or short-tempered. In extreme work-life balance cases, where exposure to stress is prolonged, people can spiral into a negative pattern of behaviour and may even turn to substance abuse to cope. In a high-pressure environment, it is difficult to ensure that people flourish and that performance and resilience levels remain high. Its a delicate balance, which needs careful management. In organisations where there is a great deal of pressure and a poor balance, a culture of stress, negativity and ill-health can quickly develop. There are numerous ways to avoid this downward spiral and communication is key. Its important to temper expectations when needed and celebrate successes. Also, a workplace that encourages conversation and open discussion rather than one that is stifled by the pressure of getting things done to tight timescales is more likely topromote innovation and creativity and achieve results. People operate at their best when they are respected, satisfied and motivated to succeed. If the environment is poorly managed, and people are not producing, a change is needed. If individuals are unable to switch-off outside of work if their work-life balance isnt quite right then the stress that follows will affect their behaviour and performance in the workplace. tIpS For CopINg WItH StrESS Coping with stress The best way to cope with stress is to recognise the warning signs and take efficient measures to ward off its effects, including paying attention to your work-life balance and take a 360 approach to health. Exercise, a healthy diet and techniques for relaxation all play a part in boosting our mental wellbeing and building resilience, which is indispensable for workers such as trading standards officers handling a busy working environment and a never ending to-do list. When we pay conscious attention to ourselves, our colleagues and our environment, we can remain resilient andperform at our best in any situation. Iforganisations and individuals do that, a high-pressured environment can be where people flourish. Credits Janice Haddon is Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and managing director of Morgan Redwood and Thrive in Life 360. Images: Obak / Polyanska Lyubov / Shutterstock To share this page, in the toolbar click on There are a few practical things you can do to help deal with stress: Forward plan, so that you know what you have ahead of you, such as conferences, meetings and deadlines Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks available to boost energy levels Take a break stretching and moving for five minutes can help to boost oxygen levels and energy in your system Pay attention to communication treat others with respect Dont dwell on things you cant control Pay attention to work-life balance Be personally accountable for your own performance and wellbeing Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise to keep up your energy and inner resilience Get plenty of sleep it is when your body and brain recharge You might also like Be your best December 2015