Stress
What is stress?
Stress can be defined as 'the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them'. Pressure can be a motivating factor, stress can occur when pressure is perceived to be excessive.
We can all feel stressed at times and feel as though every thing becomes too much. We feel as though we are unable to cope. It may be the result of a combination of factors in our personal and working lives. Work-related stress can be tackled by working with your manager to identify issues at source and agreeing realistic and workable ways to tackle these.
Talk to someone you trust. Talking is the first step in regaining control over your life. Talk to your GP, a friend or other trusted source of support. Look after yourself. Take regular exercise, eat healthily and take proper breaks. Try to relax actively though sport or music. Avoid inappropriate coping strategies, particularly drinking, smoking or drugs.
Addressing work-related stress
The University of Oxford seeks to maintain a positive and supportive working environment for all its staff. It recognises that excessive or prolonged pressure in the workplace can have a negative impact on the organisation and individuals, and that this can be prevented and alleviated through appropriate action on the part of individuals and their managers. To achieve this the University has produced guidance:
Personnel Services Website: Prevention and Management of Work-Related Stress.
This includes:
- University Policy on Prevention and Management of Work-Related Stress
- Guidance on possible signs and indicators of work-related stress
- Staff guidance on the prevention and management of work-related stress
- Sources of information and assistance
- Guidance for Managers on the Prevention and Management of Work-Related Stress
- The HSE Management Standards
- Manager’s checklist for the prevention and management of work-related stress
Think about where and when you experience the most stress: is it at home or at work? Are you trying to meet impossible demands? Where do they come from? If the source of your distress is the workplace, familiarise yourself with the above guidance and discuss the matter with your line manager.
Support for individuals
Support is available for individuals experiencing distress in relation to their work.
Confidential counselling This service may be accessed through the Occupational Health Service
An Online Stress Manager Programme A confidential online employee support package is available to provide information and skills modules to empower staff to recognise and manage stressful situations more effectively.
Training courses- The University offers a range of courses aimed at providing staff with skills to assist with managing stress in the work-place, such as time-management, and assertiveness as well as opportunities for all staff to develop work-related skills, including research and teaching skills, computing skills, management and leadership training.