As an employer, you understand that the wellbeing of your employees is crucial to the success of your business. However, for industrial workers, the stress of their jobs can take a toll on their physical and mental health. The constant noise, long hours, and physically demanding work can lead to burnout, injuries, and even chronic illnesses. That's why it's important as an employer to take steps to support your industrial workers and create a healthy, happy workplace.
Recent report uncovers extreme stress facing industrial workers
A recent report conducted in the US reveals that the demands of industrial workers in the construction, manufacturing, warehouse, and transport industries, are having significant negative impacts not only on industrial workers’ bodies, but also their mental and emotional wellbeing.
The report highlights that many industrial workers are struggling with stress, anxiety, and burnout due to the high-pressure environment and physical demands of their jobs. It also found that workers are often not receiving the support they need from their employers, leading to a lack of job satisfaction and motivation.
Although this report was conducted in the US, studies of UK industrial workers within manufacturing and construction paint a similar picture.
The UK manufacturing industry is experiencing high levels of workplace stress with manufacturing ranking third place for industries with the highest workplace stress rates.
Other research has found that 4 in 5 UK construction workers feel stressed at least some of the time during a typical week.
What is causing industrial workers to feel stressed at work?
The modern industrial workplace can be a stressful environment for workers due to a variety of factors. One of the primary causes of stress is the pressure to meet production targets and deadlines. Workers may feel like they are constantly rushing to complete tasks or meet quotas, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. Additionally, many industrial jobs involve physically demanding work, which can be taxing on the body and cause physical fatigue and strain.
Another major source of stress for industrial workers is safety concerns. Workers in this industry are often working with heavy machinery and potentially hazardous materials, which can be dangerous if proper safety protocols are not followed. Fear of injury or accidents can lead to high levels of stress among workers, particularly if they feel that their employer is not taking adequate measures to ensure their safety on the job. Furthermore, many industrial workers may also face long working hours, harsh working conditions, and a lack of job security, which can all contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.
The 5 top causes of stress at work within manufacturing
1) High demands
Workers in manufacturing may feel like they are under constant pressure to meet production targets and deadlines. This can create a sense of overwhelm and anxiety, especially if they feel like they don't have enough time to complete their tasks.
2) Difficult shift patterns
Workers in manufacturing may be required to work long hours or irregular shift patterns, which can disrupt their sleep patterns and lead to fatigue. This can make it difficult for employees to maintain a good work-life balance, causing them to miss out on important life moments because of bad or inconsistent hours.
3) Job insecurity
Many industrial workers may face job insecurity in the current economic climate, which can lead to stress and anxiety about their future employment prospects. This can be particularly challenging for workers who are the primary breadwinners for their families.
4) Job control
Lack of control over work-related decisions and processes can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness, contributing to stress and burnout. Employers can ease this stress by involving employees in decision-making processes and giving them autonomy in their work.
5) Ergonomics
Another major factor that contributes to stress in the manufacturing industry is poor ergonomics, which can lead to physical strain and injury. Employers can help to alleviate this by providing ergonomic workstations and promoting safe work practices.
Recognise the signs of stress
Stress is a common issue among industrial workers and recognising the signs of stress is crucial in preventing burnout. Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and absence from work are indicators of high levels of stress. Behavioural symptoms like increased alcohol consumption or conflict with colleagues can also denote excessive pressure. Emotional changes such as irritability or loss of control over emotions may also suggest an overwhelming workload.
Recognising the signs of stress can prevent burnout and create a healthy work environment for industrial workers.
It's essential for employers to be attentive to the signs of stress in their employees and offer support before it leads to burnout. By acknowledging these warning signals early on, employers can help create a healthy work environment that allows industrial workers to thrive both physically and emotionally.
Warning signs to look for
Everyone’s different, but common warning signs to look out for include:
- unusual or negative moods
- forgetfulness or clumsiness
- indecisiveness, restlessness and poor judgement
- withdrawal from friends and colleagues
- irritability, angry or emotional outbursts and loss of humour
- headaches, nausea, aches and pains
- sleeplessness, fatigue and low energy
- drink or drugs problem
- more accidents at work
- overworking and a drop in performance
- more sick leave or coming to work when ill
How our Health Cash Plans can support your employees’ mental health
Providing resources and support to stressed employees is crucial for their wellbeing, as well as the productivity of your company. Consider implementing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential counselling and referral services. Additionally, offering mental health days can help reduce burnout and improve overall morale in the workplace. By creating a supportive environment with flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or adjusted schedules, you can show your employees that their mental health is valued and prioritise their success both at work and in life outside of it.
A Health Shield Cash plan also offers resources and support for the mental health needs of your people. Not only do they give employees money back for the costs of everyday health bills such as dental, optical, and physio treatments; they also cover things like massages, which can lower stress levels and feelings of anxiety. Not only that, our cash plans come with additional benefits designed to help stressed employees. Here’s the top three:
Digital mental health app
It's no secret that the past couple of years have been tough on everyone, especially when it comes to work. With constantly changing guidelines and the rising cost of living, it's no wonder that stress levels are through the roof. As an employer, you want to be able to support your team in any way possible. But what if you're not a mental health expert? That's where digital therapy self-care apps come in.
In fact, studies have shown that 40% of employees would appreciate having a mental health or wellbeing app as part of their employee benefits. And with our Health Cash Plans, you can provide your team with an award-winning mental health app that's approved by the NHS. This app offers digital therapy and support at the touch of a button, providing your employees with expert advice and a little bit of support whenever they need it.
The app includes prevention and mindfulness techniques, such as guided breathing exercises and confidential live in-app chat with clinically trained therapists. With 24/7 access to effective mental health support, your team can feel confident in taking care of their mental wellbeing. Because let's face it, we could all use a little extra support these days.
Quick access to a doctor with a remote GP service
We understand that the past year has been challenging and video calls have become a regular part of our lives, whether it's for work or catching up with friends. We also know that accessing healthcare services can be difficult, especially with record waiting times for treatments in the NHS. That's why we offer My GP Anytime as part of your MyWellness package, providing you with quick and easy access to a GP. We understand the importance of prioritising your health and wellbeing, and we're committed to providing you with the tools and resources you need to stay healthy. According to recent surveys, virtual GP services are in high demand, and we're proud to offer this as a valuable employee benefit.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and 24/7 counselling
As an employee, it can be difficult to navigate the challenges that life can sometimes throw our way. Feeling stressed or worried about finances can take a toll on our health and overall happiness. That's why having access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be incredibly helpful. It provides a safe and confidential space for employees to discuss any issues that may be impacting their wellbeing. Having an EAP as part of your Health Cash Plan shows that you’re committed to supporting your people’s mental health. Your employees can speak with trained counsellors over the phone or even have face-to-face counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions if needed. Reinforcing the message that it's okay to ask for help and support when people need it.
As an employer, it's important to prioritise the mental health and well-being of your industrial workers. The stress of the job can easily take a toll on their overall health and productivity. In this blog post, we'll explore how you can recognise the signs of stress in your workforce and provide them with resources, support, work-life balance options and create a supportive environment that encourages open communication.
If you’re looking to find out more about how you can support your employees, get in touch today.
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