Well-Being in the Workplace: A Psychologist’s Perspective David Craigie Chartered Occupational Psychologist

Overview My route into Occupational Psychology Technology and Stress Well-Being at Work (some stats…) Workplace Pressures & Research Findings Recognising out-of-work Factors Helping Individuals vs Helping Organisations Case Studies and Table Discussions Loving our Neighbours (as well as ourselves)

But first…

How do you feel today?

Why Occupational Psychology? Human-Machine Interaction Design of Environments and Work: Health and Safety Personnel Selection and Assessment Performance Appraisal and Career Development Counselling and Personal Development Training Employee Relations and Motivation Organisational Development and Change

Technology and Stress

Some statistics 38% employees under excessive pressure at work at least once a week 31% come home from work exhausted, either “often” or “always” 8% of employees say their mental health is poor or very poor 62% of employees attributed the cause to a combination of both work and out of work factors source: CIPD Employee Outlook 2017

Mental Health Statistics Depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide 1 in 6 people experience a common mental health problem each week source: www.mentalhealth.org.uk 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year in the UK source: www.mind.org.uk

What is Stress? “The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work.” Stress is a state, not an illness. Prolonged or excessive stress increases the chances of mental or physical illness. Source: www.hse.gov.uk/stress

Stress at Work Research from the HSE has identified 6 risk factors for Stress at Work: Job Demands Job Control Support Relationships Change Role

Life Events Several life events were linked to “stress-induced health breakdown” Many life events on list are positive The top 7 (out of 43) were out of work issues Holmes and Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS)

The Biology of Stress Cortisol and Adrenaline Responding to Stressful Situations Understanding Anxiety and Anger What else raises our Cortisol levels? Can we regulate our stress hormones?

Can stressors be good for you? Yerkes-Dodson Law

What is the Solution? Working with Individuals: boosting resilience Talking therapies (e.g. counselling or CBT) Work-life balance & Coaching Career counselling Working with Organisations: managing risk Stress Risk Audits Line Manager Competencies

Stress Reducing Habits Reduce unnecessary cortisol levels by: Sleep Caffeine reduction Alcohol reduction Manage high adrenaline levels by: Exercise Positive self talk Healthy eating, good relationships, have fun!

Case Study John works as an accountant in a major financial organisation. He has 3 children, ages 7, 4 and 6 months. His parents are elderly and frail and live 2 hours away. John’s boss has a very autocratic leadership style. John’s wife has recently been made redundant. They are considering building a house extension that could eventually be a spare room with ensuite for John’s parents. John is too busy to do sports or engage in hobbies. His doctor says his blood pressure is too high and he should take time out to relax… What are some of the sources of potential stress? What advice might you give John if he came to you for help?

Tips for helping others Take time to listen (and don’t patronise!) Help in practical ways where possible Recognise people have different styles of coping Don’t make too many assumptions If offering solutions, make sure they are realistic Sometimes a small gesture can mean a lot “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.”

Tips for helping yourself Recognise your own well-being needs Allow yourself to be unique Love your neighbour as yourself Identify your pressure points and things you enjoy Plan ahead and make good use of time off Don’t be afraid to ask others for help or advice Look after your physical well-being as this helps your emotional and spiritual well-being also

External Support Craigie Partnership (coaching & therapy services) www.craigiepartnership.co.uk david@craigiepartnership.co.uk GP and community practice Registered Charities, e.g. SAMH, Breathing Space, Cruse, Relate, Samaritans etc.

Any Questions or Advice?