How to Support an Employee with Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human response that becomes present when we feel we are under threat or are in danger. However, if persistent feelings of anxiety interfere with daily life and activities, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Many people recover from anxiety given that they are provided with the appropriate support and treatment, making it crucial for employers to be well-informed and understand the symptoms and effects of anxiety disorders.

Signs and symptoms

Everyone experiences anxiety differently, so spotting the signs and symptoms in others can be challenging as symptoms may vary from person to person, but it is important to recognise when an employee or colleague may be struggling with this condition.

Here are some common symptoms:

• Rapid breathing

• Pounding heart

• Panic attacks

• Headaches

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating

• Low mood

• Nausea

Signs of anxiety within the workplace include:

• Changes in productivity

• Absences or not being punctual

• Appearing withdrawn

• Low moral

Work-related Triggers

Many triggers of anxiety are outside of an individual's control, making it challenging to manage. However, work-related factors also play a role in contributing to anxiety, which is not surprising given that people spend a significant portion of their lives at work. Typically, the average person spends approximately 90,000 hours at work over their lifetime, so it's important to be aware of these workrelated triggers and take steps to address them.

Some workplace related triggers include:

• High workload

• Job security

• Performance pressure

• Poor management and lack of communication

• Work-life balance

• Office politics

• Change and uncertainty in the workplace