Workplace stress is on the rise, but there are steps you can take to ensure it doesn’t take over your life.

Explore the options below to find a solution that works for you.

1. Submit a request for flexible working

If you are employed, you may be eligible to request flexible working in your job. This could include things like:

• Working at home
• Changing your working hours
• Working part-time

Your employer must respond to your request within a set time period. If they reject your request, they need to explain why. Reasons for rejecting a request could include:

• The change would incur costs that would damage the business.
• The change would affect quality and performance or would mean the business could not meet customer demand.
• The work could not be done during the requested hours or at the requested location.
• The business cannot recruit new staff to cover the work or rearrange the work amongst existing staff.

Find out more about your rights to request flexible working here.

2. Tell your manager you are experiencing symptoms of stress

Symptoms of stress can include:

• Feeling negative or low
• Feeling anxious or on edge
• Feeling more emotional or teary than usual
• Feeling angry or irritable
• Being unable to concentrate
• Finding it hard to make decisions
• Having difficulty sleeping
• Using alcohol, drugs or smoking to cope with the way you are feeling
• Changes in your appetite

If you feel that you’re experiencing stress due to your job, its important to tell someone at work, if you can. Talking about stress might feel uncomfortable at first, but be reassured, it is very common. Talking about it as soon as possible can prevent things from getting worse.

Your manager should listen to you and put support in place to reduce the stress you are experiencing. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide guidance for line managers on how to conduct a stress risk assessment. Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work. You can find out more about this here.

3. If your manager is the problem, talk to someone else in the organisation

If you cannot talk to your manager about stress because you feel it is because of something they are doing, there may be other people in your organisation you can talk to.

This could include:

• HR department
• Trade union representative
• Employee assistance programme
• Workplace counselling service
• Workplace mental health first aider

Check your company policies to find out who you can talk to about your concerns.

4. Get confidential support from the NHS

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, you might be entitled to free confidential support from the NHS.

If you live in England, you can refer yourself directly to an NHS Talking Therapies service. You don’t need to be referred by your GP.

Most NHS Talking Therapies services also have an Employment Support service, which means you may be able to get support from an Employment Adviser. Employment Advisers can help with things like:

• Informing you of your employment rights
• Talking to your employer on your behalf
• Helping you find a new job

Ensure that you ask about the Employment Support service when you contact the NHS Talking Therapies service (as its new in some parts of the country and is not always advertised).

You can find your local NHS Talking Therapies service here.

5. Get advice or support with your mental health

If you don’t have access to free NHS support with your mental health, or you’re on a waiting list, there may be other organisations or services in your area who can help.

Contact charities such as Mind or the Samaritans to see if they can help you. Their support is free and confidential.

6. Get free impartial advice on your employment rights

ACAS – the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service – is an independent public body that provides support to employers and employees to improve working relationships.

The ACAS website provides expert advice on employment rights in England, Scotland and Wales. You can access their website here.

Or you can contact their free, confidential helpline here.

7. Find a new job

Sometimes the best option is to leave a stressful job and find a new one. If you need help with exploring your career options, contact us at info@careerology.org or sign up for free weekly career advice below.