Stress and Mental Health: The Impact of Working Alone

As more and more people across the UK and beyond work alone or in hybrid arrangements, it's essential to be aware of the stress and mental health impacts.

Working alone can be daunting, particularly in industries such as construction, agriculture, or manufacturing, where the risk of incapacitation and injuries is high. However, it's not only physical dangers that lone workers face; social risks and the mental strain of working alone can also be significant.

Why do lone workers feel stress at work?

Lone working can be isolating, and the lack of support and ability to defend oneself can increase anxiety levels and make lone workers more vulnerable to mental health and wellbeing issues. The lack of support and backup can lead to feeling stressed at work, anxiety, depression, and even burnout, all of which can have a long-term impact on employee wellbeing. In turn, this can have a negative impact on business continuity, your ability to attract and retain the best staff, and it can also lead to an increase in staff absence. 

Feeling stressed at work? You’re not alone

Stress in the workplace is a growing concern, affecting millions of workers in the UK. According to The Workplace Health Report: 2023, an estimated 13.7 million working days are lost each year due to work-related stress, anxiety, and depression, resulting in a cost of £28.3 billion annually.

Furthermore, a staggering 76% of employees report moderate-to-high or high levels of stress, indicating a widespread issue. The report also reveals that high levels of stress have a direct impact on productivity, with 33% of employees reporting a decrease in their work output due to stress.

These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for employers to address stress in the workplace and implement measures to support the mental health and wellbeing of their employees.

What can organisations do to relieve stress at work?

When it comes to mental health and wellbeing, there's no quick fix or surgical operation to cure it. It’s not easy learning how to cope with stress at work but one thing we can do is protect our workforce to alleviate some pressure and ensure employees feel safe. A happy workforce is a productive workforce, and investing in employee health, safety, and wellbeing can be a challenge, but it will undoubtedly save you money in the long run by reducing absence through sickness and stress.

To address these challenges, it's essential to provide detailed, relevant, and ever-changing lone worker policies, consistent lone worker risk assessments, and thorough training. By doing so, employers can prepare lone workers for all eventualities and provide them with the necessary tools to manage stress and anxiety while working alone.

10 ways to reduce stress at work

1. Prioritise tasks: break down your workload into manageable chunks and prioritise tasks based on deadlines and importance.
2. Take breaks: take short breaks throughout the day to recharge and reduce stress. Stand up, stretch, or take a walk outside.
3. Practice deep breathing: deep breathing exercises can help you calm your mind and relieve tension.
4. Stay organised: keep your head, and your workspace clean and organised, this can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
5. Practice time management: set realistic deadlines for tasks and projects and plan your workday in advance.
6. Communicate effectively: good communication can help reduce misunderstandings and conflicts that can lead to stress. Be clear and concise when communicating with colleagues and managers.
7. Take care of your physical health: get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, and get enough sleep to keep your mind and body healthy.
8. Seek support: talk to a colleague or manager about your stress levels and ask for support. Seek professional help if necessary.
9. Practice relaxation techniques: techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and increase relaxation.
10. Maintain a positive attitude: focus on positive thoughts and feelings and try to maintain a positive attitude. This can help you stay motivated and resilient in the face of stress.

Can a lone worker safety solution relieve stress?

Investing in a lone worker solution is also a crucial step in protecting the mental health and wellbeing of lone workers. A dedicated lone worker device, (such as SoloProtect ID Touch, SoloProtect Curve, or SoloProtect Shield) or a mobile app, (like SoloProtect Mobile), can provide an added layer of protection and peace of mind for both employers and employees and help with managing stress at work.

Whether you choose a lone worker device or app, when deciding on a lone worker safety solution, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your workforce and the nature of their work. Look for devices or apps that are easy to use, reliable, and offer a range of features to support lone workers in different scenarios.

Implementing a lone worker safety solution is not just about providing a piece of technology, but it's also about integrating it into your wider health and safety policies and ensuring that your lone workers understand how to use it effectively. Offering training and support to employees can increase their confidence in using the device or app and ensure they feel comfortable using it when necessary.

Investing in a lone worker safety solution may seem like an added expense, and you may need business case support, but it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind and protection it can provide for your workforce. By taking proactive steps to protect the mental health and wellbeing of your lone workers, you’re giving your colleagues the tools to deal with stress at work, you're fulfilling your legal duty of care, and you're also creating a safer and more productive workplace.

A smart business decision

Stress at work is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed. Employers must take proactive steps to protect their lone workers' mental health and wellbeing, including providing thorough training, risk assessments, and lone worker solutions. By doing so, employers can create a safe and supportive work environment that enables lone workers to thrive. Remember, investing in employee wellbeing is not only the right thing but it's also a smart business decision.

If you or someone you know is struggling with work-related stress, anxiety or depression, there are resources available to help. Reach out to your employer's HR department, a mental health professional, or a helpline such as the Samaritans or Mind for support and guidance.