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Work Related Stres

Work-Related Stress

Work-related stress refers to the physical and emotional strain that can arise when the demands of work feel overwhelming or difficult to manage. While some level of pressure can be motivating, ongoing or excessive stress can begin to affect wellbeing, performance, and overall quality of life.

 

Work-related stress can be linked to a range of factors, including workload, deadlines, responsibility, workplace relationships, job security, or a lack of balance between work and personal life.

Signs of work-related stress

People experience stress in different ways, but common signs include:

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Emotional and psychological

  • Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope

  • Increased anxiety or irritability

  • Low mood or reduced motivation

  • Feeling detached or disengaged from work

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Physical

 

Cognitive

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

  • Racing thoughts or persistent worry

  • Reduced clarity in thinking

 

Behavioural

  • Avoidance or procrastination

  • Increased absenteeism or presenteeism (working while unwell)

  • Reduced productivity or performance

  • Withdrawing from colleagues or support

 

While stress itself is not an illness, prolonged stress can contribute to both physical and mental health difficulties if not addressed.

How common is work-related stress?

Work-related stress is one of the most common wellbeing challenges:

  • It is a leading cause of workplace absence in the UK

  • Surveys by organisations such as Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development consistently highlight stress as a primary reason for long-term sickness absence

  • A significant proportion of adults report experiencing stress related to work at some point in their lives

 

(Recent UK workplace wellbeing data, 2022–2024)

What treatment can we offer?

Support focuses on understanding the sources of stress and developing practical, sustainable ways to respond.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT can help to:

  • Identify patterns of thinking that increase stress (e.g. pressure, perfectionism, worry)

  • Develop more balanced and manageable perspectives

  • Improve coping strategies and problem-solving skills

 

Learning stress management and resilience skills such as:

  • Identifying specific workplace stressors

  • Developing healthier ways of responding to pressure

  • Building resilience and flexibility

  • Planning ahead for predictable stress points

 

Help with setting boundaries and workload management such as:

  • Setting realistic expectations of yourself

  • Learning to say no or delegate where appropriate

  • Creating clearer boundaries between work and personal time

 

Lifestyle and wellbeing support such as:

  • Improving sleep routines

  • Regular movement or exercise

  • Creating time for rest and recovery

  • Strengthening support networks

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT supports:

  • Managing stress without becoming overwhelmed by it

  • Reducing avoidance and burnout patterns

  • Reconnecting with values and what matters at work and beyond

Mindfulness and nervous system regulation

These approaches help to:

  • Reduce physiological stress responses

  • Improve focus and clarity

  • Support recovery from ongoing pressure

A compassionate note

Work-related stress can build gradually and may not always be obvious at first. Many people push through for longer than is sustainable. With the right support, it’s possible to understand what’s contributing to stress, make meaningful changes, and create a more balanced and manageable way of working.

Further guidance and support

You may find these trusted UK resources helpful:

  • Mind – information on stress at work

https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/

https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/

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