Failure in communication
Business and wellbeing trainer Ros Jones says that poor communication is one of the biggest contributors to workplace stress.
She tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Lack of clear instructions, inadequate training or ambivalence can lead to people not delivering what was expected. This in turn causes frustration, managers believing their team aren’t up to the job and people getting demoralised.’
Different communication styles can also cause problems.
‘For example, those who are assertive and abrupt can be perceived as aggressive,’ adds Ros.
‘On the other hand, if a member of the team is a careful perfectionist, they may experience stress if they are rushed or where others in the team do not have similar high standards.
‘Not communicating clearly in an appropriate style to ensure that everyone understands (and is aware of expectations) can lead to workplace stress.’
Heavy workload
The more we have on, the more challenging day-to-day life can be.
Ros adds: ‘Consistently heavy workloads and long working hours – especially where there is little feedback, gratitude for a job well done or other acknowledgement – is another common cause of workplace stress.’
Of course, there are busier periods throught the year for everyone, but a consistently heavy workload is not sustainable over time – and can lead to mental and physical burnout.
‘In a workplace where there is poor leadership and low levels of employee engagement, there will commonly be a high turnover rate which is what often leads to some employees taking on heavier workloads to cover for insufficient staff – thus exacerbating the stressful working environment,’ adds Ros.
Organisational change
While a change in an organisation itself is not necessarily a cause of workplace stress, the way that it’s managed (or not managed) can be.
‘Change is inevitable for business development and growth whether it’s moving office, moving to remote working, introducing new systems or changes in job roles. Workplace stress is common where there is poor communication about the change and the impact on individuals,’ continues Ros.
‘It can lead to anxiety, people imagining worse case scenarios or spreading rumours about what might be happening.’
A poor work environment
Our work environment has a strong impact on our mood.
Insufficient space when working from home or inappropriate equipment can contribute to a more stressful working day.
Ros says: ‘Some people find it stressful working completely on their own for long periods and suffer anxiety and uncertainty because they’re unaware of what’s going on in the wider organisation – or they’re unable to concentrate with other family members around them.’
Lack of delegation
Another common cause of workplace stress is a failure to delegate, says executive coach Susy Roberts.
She explains: ‘Delegation isn’t simply a case of sharing your workload out. You can’t dump the contents of your in-tray on the desks of your colleagues and expect them to get on with it – that’s abdication.
‘You need to have teams and structures in place, so everyone knows what’s expected of them, and you know who the best person is for the job.’