As with any health problem, stress needs to be handled with sensitivity. An individual may be concerned that by telling their manager that they feel stressed it may amount to an admission that they are 'not up to the job'. As a manger you should reassure the individual and arrange to speak to them privately about their concerns. On some occasions it may be more appropriate that a colleague or your line manager discusses the issues, particularly if you have a difficult relationship with the employee. You should be prepared for the fact that some employees may be reluctant to talk e.g. due to concerns about being judged or how the situation may impact their job.
A stress-related case will be brought to your attention in one of the following ways:
- an individual will raise a stress-related issue with you
- you raise concerns that an individual may be showing signs of stress
- the individual is off sick with a stress-related case
There are five main stages in dealing with a stress-related case
1. Listening
Sometimes all it needs is a sympathetic ear and someone to give