2. Causes of stress at work

There are six main areas that can lead to work-related stress if they are not managed properly. These are: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.

For example, workers may say that they:

  • are not able to cope with the demands of their jobs
  • are unable to control the way they do their work
  • don't receive enough information and support
  • are having trouble with relationships at work, or are being bullied
  • don't fully understand their role and responsibilities
  • are not engaged when a business is undergoing change

Stress affects people differently – what stresses one person may not affect another. Factors like skills and experience, age or disability may all affect whether a worker can cope.

By talking to your workers and understanding how to identify the signs of stress, you can prevent and reduce stress in your workplace.

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Updated 2023-04-05