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Intellectual
concentration problems, frequent forgetfulness, repeated mistakes
“Work-related stress is recognized as a major issue on an international scale, impacting both company performance and employee health.
Employers have the responsibility to prevent and manage psychosocial risks, including chronic stress. This approach involves implementing appropriate internal processes, as well as training and informing managers and teams to better identify and quickly respond to stressful situations.” – Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco
Professional stress, when occasional, can be stimulating, but when it becomes chronic, it poses a serious threat to individual well-being.
It often arises when there is a perceived gap between professional demands and a person’s ability to meet them. This gap can generate intense emotions such as anxiety, fear, or a sense of discomfort.
Work-related stress is generally caused by:
It is crucial to distinguish between occasional stress, which is often normal and manageable, and chronic stress, which can severely affect health.
Chronic work stress can have detrimental effects on the overall health of employees, placing them in a vicious cycle harmful to their balance.
Signs of chronic stress include:
Intellectual
concentration problems, frequent forgetfulness, repeated mistakes
Emotional
irritability, anxiety, persistent discomfort
Physical
sleep disorders, panic attacks, exhaustion, muscle pain
For managers, it may be difficult to detect these situations, but indicators such as a sudden drop in performance, increased absenteeism, or a change in attitude should alert them.
Without appropriate measures, stress can develop into burnout, often leading to prolonged work stoppages.
Once symptoms are identified, it is essential to act quickly on both the stress factors and the symptoms themselves.
Key strategies to try to reduce stress:
1. Consult a professional
a doctor, a trusted person, or a coach can offer personalized advice
2. Practice relaxation exercises
conscious breathing techniques, mindfulness meditation to soothe the body and mind
3. Analyze the causes
identify triggering factors and discuss them with management to find suitable solutions
4. Adopt healthy habits
prioritize a balanced diet, restorative sleep, and regular physical activity
5. Encourage open communication
share difficulties and questions with colleagues and/or managers to better collaborate
These techniques, combined with professional support, can help sustainably reduce the impact of stress on the overall well-being of employees.
The Person of Trust within the company plays a crucial role in supporting employees experiencing stress. Trained in coaching and psychosocial risk management, they offer professional support, in complete confidentiality and independence, promoting better management of difficult situations.
Through their expertise, they can:
The systemic approach, like that of Palo Alto, is particularly effective in understanding and resolving complex work-related stress situations.
A serene work atmosphere is essential to preserve employee health and ensure company performance. Here are some essential actions to reduce excessive stress within organizations:
Prevention and rapid intervention help avoid serious consequences such as prolonged sick leaves or characterized burnouts.
Professional stress can affect any of us, but it is possible to understand and manage it to regain lasting serenity at work.
Please feel free to contact Aurélie Nusbaum-de Francesco for support in managing stressful situations or to assist your organization in developing effective psychosocial risk prevention processes.
Discover my other services dedicated to the prevention and management of psychosocial risks: