How To Spot Anxiety in the Workplace

When you own a business it’s completely natural to want the best for your employees. If that is the case, then it’s critical to focus on the ways in which you can improve their mental health.

A common mental health condition that people experience is anxiety.

Navigating it in the workplace requires an entirely different skill set than the one that you would offer to a friend, family member, or confidant.

Symptoms to look out for

Anxiety can occur differently in each person, never assume that two people will respond the same way with anxiety. However, in a general sense, these are some of the symptoms that may crop up:

• Constant worrying

• An irrational fear of mistakes

• Bad memory

• Tiredness

• Panic attacks

It’s important that we reiterate that anxiety symptoms vary from person to person. However, just because one person may seem more severe than another, doesn’t mean they need less attention or help.

How to help those who want it

You can’t force an open and honest conversation with someone who isn’t interested. If the employee isn’t ready or comfortable enough to talk about their mental health, then don’t force them.

However, if they are ready and willing to engage with you on how to find healthy and productive ways to accommodate their mental health needs in the workplace, then here are a few things you can do.

• Create a mental health team at work: by having designated people who understand anxiety, you’re creating a workspace that operates honestly and openly.

• Have an open conversation about what they need: some people will benefit from a lessened workload and some may want to switch to a part-time contract. By listening to what people have to say and by trying your best to action support, your employees will feel heard and as though their health matters – which it does.

• Promote a healthy work-life balance: an employee’s mental health trigger may not be linked to their work, however, a happy and conducive lifestyle starts outside of work. Too much pressure at work isn’t good for anyone and if your employees are struggling, more work will not help.

Anxiety affects 1 in 5 women and 1 in 8 men, according to AnxietyUK, there is ample opportunity for any of your employees to be a part of this statistic.

It isn’t an easy thing to live with – and it certainly isn’t an easy thing to work with. This is why it’s critical you create a workplace that can combat it effectively.

And if you struggle, then head to the OH One website.