How to spot stress in work colleagues

As many signs of stress are emotional or mental, they may not be quite so obvious in other people. Here are some ways to spot if people you work with or manage are suffering from stress.

They're taking more sick days than normal

Stress is the second most common reason for sick leave in the UK - if work colleagues are frequently ill for short spells, then stress could be an issue.

Their behaviour changes

Over-stressed workmates might start getting angry about things that would normally provoke a wry smile. Maybe their relationships with you or other colleagues are getting worse and they even start to shout.

They become less productive

Work colleagues who used to punctual often start coming in late if they're stressed. They might also be working long hours, but producing very little.

It may even be something as simple as someone who used to be very efficient starts making small mistakes regularly.

Heavy drinking

What was once the odd pint after work suddenly becomes a regular daily event and often spills into lunchtime visits to the pub, as well.

The office becomes untidy

Is someone's in-tray piling up when it used to be almost always empty? As stress levels rise, those people who find it more difficult to cope tend to be worse at clearing up after themselves as they can't keep on top of their workload.