National Stress Awareness Day 2021

National Stress Awareness Day 2021 falls on the 3rd November and aims to raise awareness about the effects of stress in the workplace and how to address it.

The past year has been especially stressful for teaching and school staff because of the global pandemic. This is a great time for employers to review their workplace stress policies and risk assessments to ensure all their staff and students get the support they need.

Read on for tips, advice and resources for how to handle workplace and student stress.

How to be mentally healthy

At times, low-level stress can be helpful and even motivational but constant high levels of stress is harmful - it can negatively impact our moods, bodies and relationships. We all know that work can be stressful at times, so what can we do to help? Even small, simple changes can improve mental health. Here are a few things that may help to reduce your stress levels and decrease the likelihood of burnout:

  • Don't struggle alone - talk to someone if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed;
  • Healthy body, healthy mind - looking after your physical health by eating well and exercising can really improve your mental health;
  • Try different coping techniques - such as breathing exercises or practising mindfulness;
  • Write a to do list - writing down exactly what needs to be done can help you stay organised and feel less overwhelmed;
  • Maintain a sleep schedule - a routine sleep schedule can help you feel more refreshed and ready for the day. There are tips to help improve your sleep here;
  • Challenge your thoughts - negative thoughts are unhelpful, and usually untrue. The next time you get an intrusive or negative thought, challenge it - is it actually true?;
  • Split up big tasks into smaller chunks - the idea of a big project can be overwhelming so dividing it up into smaller parts may make it less stressful and help you focus. Remember to give yourself credit for completing each part!;
  • Take a break - take regular breaks from work throughout the day. This is proven to increase productivity; and
  • Practise self-love - allow yourself to think positively about yourself and allocate time each day to focus on you.

What can employers do to help?

It's important that employers cater for stress and mental health in the workplace. Any mental health condition is a protected characteristic under the Equlity Act 2010 so this is essential.

Workplaces should:

  • Have a stress policy in place, such as Handsam's template in the resource box;
  • Have a risk assessment in place that is reviewed regularly or whenever there is change;
  • Have resources, occupational health schemes and relevant contact details available and regularly publicise this to staff; and
  • Develop an open and trusting culture - talk to staff and offer support.

The resources on this page can be used to help build your workplace stress policy and risk assessment.

Please contact Handsam if any further assistance is needed via telephone: 03332 070737 or email info@handsam.co.uk.

Students and mental health

There are increasing numbers of children demonstrating signs and symptoms of mental ill-health, so it is essential that they get support from school.

Whilst teachers are not medical health professionals, they are still in a position to help their students when they are struggling. Even just offering to listen can be a big help.

For more advice on how you can help your students, read Handsam's interview with professor Johnathan Glazaard as he discusses pupil mental health (part one and part two).

In 2020, 55% of work-related ill health cases were to do with stress, depression and anxiety in the education sector.

Handsam resources

External resources