LawCare publishes new guidance on workplace anxiety
LawCare is marking Mental Health Awareness Week this week with new guidance for leaders and people managers on workplace anxiety.
With anxiety being one of the top three reasons why people turn to LawCare for support, the support charity wants to get the legal community talking about anxiety and learning how to recognise the signs, in ourselves and in others, and where to turn for support.
Anxiety in the workplace is often caused by heavy workloads, poor management, long working hours, a lack of autonomy and difficult relationships with colleagues.
It can lead to those affected feeling nervous, apprehensive, tense or stressed about work, and can cause them to worry about a range of issues such as job performance, making mistakes, financial wellbeing, and relationships with colleagues. If not addressed, this can also lead to concerns about their lives outside work, with a cost beyond the impact on the individual.
The Health & Safety Executive has found that stress, anxiety, and depression account for more than half of all work-related sickness absence. It may contribute to presenteeism, which could affect productivity; and those experiencing anxiety may also be more likely to leave their job.
While there are steps individuals can take to reduce their feelings of anxiety, LawCare maintains that it is important for leaders and employers to be proactive in helping staff manage their anxiety, which in turn reduces the risk of work-related mental ill health.
"By taking active steps to reduce those workplace factors that can contribute to anxiety, you are creating a culture that supports the mental wellbeing of your people, so they are happier, healthier, and more productive", LawCare states.