Stressed Employees At The Workplace – How To Extend Support

In addition to the natural internal friction that arises from hundreds of people working together, many other external factors which are often outside the control of an individual can contribute to mental and physical stress.

A company thrives when its employees help each other address concerns and overcome obstacles while working towards a common goal. If you observe a colleague undergoing frustration or stress, you would be doing a great service by providing relief, in addition to the obvious warmth of human empathy. 

Here are some ways you can identify stressed co-workers:

1. Consistent change in work pattern/productivity: When a fellow worker has conspicuously changed work patterns or has fallen behind drastically in work output, then it is possible that something heavy is weighing on their mind.
2. Change in behaviour: When a colleague is bitter, irritated, or angry more than usual, it could be an indicator of stress or anxiety.
3. Avoiding human contact: Co-workers may frequently find excuses to avoid mixing with colleagues and becomes visibly reclusive, perhaps staying away from the usual lunch/hangout groups.
4. Memory gaps and vagueness of thought: A co-worker may have regular and inexplicable memory losses, forgetting about tasks to be completed or other important assignments. Such individuals may make up complex and generally ridiculous excuses for under-par performance.

If you think someone satisfies any of the above criteria, talk to them gently and try to ascertain their difficulty in life. They may need help from a licensed therapist/practitioner, and it is a responsibility to delicately encourage them to seek help if they appear to need it.