I remember a time when every day I would wake up and the thought of going to work would make me cry. If you know me you’ll know I’m not THAT GIRL who cries, I’d rather punch something to vent my frustrations!
Has the thought of work ever reduced you to tears or anger?
I put it down to hormones because I was pregnant when it started happening, but it wasn’t that as when I returned to work after having my baby I felt worse. I was doing really well in my job but the workload was unsustainable and I was learning on the job, so I didn’t have the support of a framework or a mentor to direct me. I worked through the night and weekends to complete work to tight deadlines.
Now if I pull an all-nighter, it’s my choice!
I began to become snappy, less friendly and forgetful – I lost my motivation. It was only my stubbornness to complete at any cost that kept me going, but ultimately it was the beginning of my decision to start Eden Mayers HR Consulting.
Was job dissatisfaction part of your decision to become a business owner?
I’m speaking to more and more businesses who have record numbers of staff signed off with work-related stress, for small businesses this has the potential to be crippling.
The Health and Safety Executives Report for 2017, states that:
526,000 workers are suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety (new or long-standing)
12.5 million working days lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety
Stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 40% of all work-related ill health cases and 49% of all working days lost due to ill health
The breakdown of the causes of work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2017 as follows:
Workload: 44%
Lack of support: 14%
Changes at work: 8%
Violence, threats or bullying: 13%
Other: 21%
You can support your employees areas through strong policy, procedures, training, and the use of Employee Benefits and guidance services to help as and when needed. However, you also need to ensure that there is no stigma surrounding Mental Health, so that your employees are comfortable sharing.
A mentally and physically fit workforce is less likely to be absent, and be fully motivated to carry out their role to the best of their ability. Which means productive employees and happy clients for your business.
Let us help you to ensure that your HR policies and process are fit for purpose, contact us for a FREE policy review.