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

2. 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)

3. But first…

4. How do you feel today?

5. 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

6. Technology and Stress

7. 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

8. 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:
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year in the UK
source:

9. 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:

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

11. 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)

12. 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?

13. Can stressors be good for you?
Yerkes-Dodson Law

14. 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

15. 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!

16. 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?

17. 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.”

18. 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

19. External Support Craigie Partnership (coaching & therapy services)
GP and community practice
Registered Charities, e.g. SAMH, Breathing Space, Cruse, Relate, Samaritans etc.

20. Any Questions or Advice?