Signs of a stressed workplace

The UK National Stress Network identifies the following as signs of a stressed workplace:

• use of technology to control, monitor or track workers;

• hot desking;

• the threat of, or actual, violence (verbal and/or physical abuse);

• lack of a clear job description or chain of command;

• job insecurity;

• lack of an understanding leadership;

• cuts in government and local government funding leading to increased workloads;

• long-hours culture;

• no recognition or reward for good job performance;

• no opportunity to voice complaints;

• lack of employee representation and consultation;

• lack of control;

• no opportunity to use personal or company standards;

• unreasonable workload;

• unremitting or prolonged pressures;

• confusion caused by conflicting demands;

• misuse of procedures (discipline/absence);

• feelings of injustice arising from deliberate isolation and ill treatment;

• unrealistic targets; and

• bullying and poor relationships.

Source: UK Work National Stress Network Work Stress booklet

www.workstress.net/downloads/stress%20booklet%202.pdf