Stress Awareness Month

April is recognised as Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of stress on mental and physical wellbeing. In the workplace, stress can affect productivity, job satisfaction, and overall health. By acknowledging Stress Awareness Month, organisations can take proactive steps to promote stress management and support their colleagues. At Xyla, part of Acacium Group, we understand how important it is to create a culture of awareness and open communication which helps ensure that employees feel valued and empowered to manage stress effectively.

Why stress awareness is important

Key benefits of stress awareness in the workplace:

• Improves employee wellbeing: Helps employees recognise stress triggers and adopt coping strategies.
• Enhances productivity: Reduces absenteeism and boosts focus and efficiency.
• Encourages a positive work culture: Fosters open communication and teamwork.
• Reduces health risks: Minimises stress-related illnesses like anxiety, depression, and heart disease.
• Boosts employee retention: Creates a healthier work environment, reducing turnover rates.

By fostering a culture of stress awareness, companies can enhance employee morale and overall business success.

How to know when an employee may be experiencing stress

Recognising when an employee is stressed is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. Stress can manifest in various ways, including changes in behaviour, mood, and performance. Managers and colleagues should be aware of these signs to provide support and prevent burnout.

Signs of employee stress:

• Decreased productivity: Struggling to meet deadlines, increased errors, or lack of focus.
• Changes in mood: Increased irritability, frustration, or withdrawal from team interactions.
• Physical symptoms: Frequent headaches, fatigue, or increased sick days.
• Loss of motivation: Lack of enthusiasm, disengagement from work, or reluctance to take on tasks.
• Increased absenteeism: More frequent lateness, sick leave, or requests for time off.

By staying aware of these signs and fostering open communication, employers can address stress early and support their employees’ wellbeing.

How we support our employees

Our employee wellbeing approach is underpinned by ​​​​​​ four wellbeing pillars: mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing. Acacium Group offers resources covering all of these, from budgeting workshops to awareness and educative sessions around common mental health issues.

Employees can access a range of mental health support through our Mental Healthcare Pathway, which include:

• Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) – Provide initial support to colleagues experiencing mental health issues. They spot early signs and symptoms, engage in supportive conversations, listen non-judgmentally, and encourage access to professional help or self-help strategies. They also play a vital role in breaking down the stigma.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – This offers voluntary, confidential services to help employees manage personal and work-related challenges. These services include mental health counselling, stress management, substance abuse support, financial and legal advice, and assistance with family or relationship issues. It aims to improve employee wellbeing, productivity, and overall workplace morale

• Digital therapies through Xyla – A network of highly-skilled clinicians is dedicated to helping colleagues in England address and overcome the challenges they’re facing, through a variety of different therapies which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), counselling and talking therapies. With a warm and personal approach, Xyla’s therapists have a proven track record of delivering exceptional support and compassionate care while upholding the highest levels of confidentiality. You can find out more about our adult digital mental health therapies here.

In summary…

Stress Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising mental health and stress management in the workplace. By recognising the signs of stress and implementing effective support systems, organisations can create a more supportive and productive work environment. Through initiatives such as mental health programmes, educational workshops, and open communication, businesses can empower colleagues to manage stress effectively. A commitment to stress awareness during this month and beyond helps build a resilient workforce, improving job satisfaction, wellbeing, and overall business success.