Help - how do I tell my manager about my stress?

Stress is a common condition that many people experience at times in their daily lives. It can present challenges that affect the wellbeing and mental health of the employee. It can have a negative effect on the productivity and efficiency of one's work. The experience often occurs in conjunction with work pressures, personal circumstances or other factors. If stress starts to affect either your work or your quality of life, it can be a good idea to be open and talk to your manager about it. However, for many people, talking to their manager about it can be a challenge. We need to be better at driving change and having the conversation, as it can prevent stress in the workplace. Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable talking to your manager about stress.

You are not alone

It's important to remember that you are not alone. It's important to take responsibility for your own mental health and wellbeing at work. This can be done by contacting a health professional or the HR department. In addition, it may also be a good idea to talk to a good colleague for support before speaking to your manager about experiencing stress at work.

Preparation is key

Once you've prepared and feel more comfortable talking to your manager, it's important to choose a time when your manager isn't busy so they can be open and listen. Choose a room where you can speak honestly and freely. Be specific and be specific about what's causing your stress and how it's affecting your mental health and well-being. It's also a good idea to offer some suggestions on how you can better manage your stress. This could be more flexible working hours or the ability to work from home where there is peace and quiet and the opportunity to focus thoroughly on a larger task.

When you and your manager work together on stress

Keep in mind that your manager may not be an expert in this area. Therefore, be patient and specific in your conversation, as it's in your manager's best interest to help you reduce stress. A stressed employee can have negative effects on your mental health and well-being, but also on your work. This is not in your manager's best interest, and conversations can stop the stress from developing, which in the worst case scenario can lead to long-term sick leave. Your manager wants you to thrive and perform at your best without being stressed. With support and guidance, you can find the best solutions for you and your workplace and prevent stress.

The path from stress to wellbeing

By inviting your manager into your situation and engaging in the necessary dialog, you can prevent stress from escalating into a long-term illness. With timely support and guidance, you can find the best solutions for you and your workplace and prevent stress. Tools such as workplace assessment and process consultation can be valuable tools on the journey from stress to wellbeing.