To mark Stress Awareness Month, Joy Henshaw, regional director at Wellbeing Care, offers advice on recognising and managing stress in care staff

Social care can be very demanding and staff face strict regulations and challenging situations daily. Therefore, recognising and managing stress among care workers is crucial. Research from claims.co.uk found health and social work jobs are the most stressful to work in, and have the highest rate of reported illness from stress, depression, or anxiety, at a rate of 3,530 per 100,000 workers since 2021.

However, not everyone will openly discuss their feelings, so it’s important to look out for signs that someone might be struggling. Care environments should encourage open conversations and ensure that staff know they have someone to reach out for support, anytime. Having access to counselling services or a trusted someone to speak to can provide peace of mind and help manage stress effectively.

While financial incentives might be limited, there are many other ways to support care staff both mentally and physically, ensuring they can provide the highest quality of care to residents. Below are some practical tips that we implement in our Wellbeing Care home to recognise and manage stress in our staff.

Be there and understand

Not everything will go right all the time, in social care, and in wider life in general, and at some point everybody will need that extra bit of support and guidance when they are stressed. It’s essential for care home managers to be present for their team, and be a friendly face that is approachable when things haven’t gone smoothly for their staff, personally or professionally. Being there for your staff creates a supportive environment where they feel valued and understood.

Learn and support

Following on from this, it’s important to learn from mistakes and use the hard times as opportunities for growth. Show your staff that you fully back them, especially if families don’t understand or get angry over genuine mistakes that affect their loved one. Providing support and comfort during these times can help alleviate stress from the situation, and help come to an effective resolution, rebuilding trust and reputation.

Recognise and praise

‘Employee of the Month’ is quite a common initiative in most workplaces, as it’s a simple and cost-effective way of praising and rewarding staff, even if it’s by presenting them with a simple certificate or bottle of wine. Praise goes a long way in boosting morale and confidence. Recognise the hard work and dedication of your staff by praising them for their achievements, no matter how small. Consider entering industry awards and nominating standout staff, plus, if they get shortlisted an awards ceremony is always a fun team social event.

Create safe spaces

Provide a dedicated room where staff can retreat to when they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, preferably a room that is separate from the staff room or canteen. This room can be especially useful for those who follow religious practices, need to take medication, are pregnant, or for anyone who needs a moment to collect themselves. Having a safe space can make a significant difference to managing stress effectively.

Encourage breaks and connection

Encourage staff to take breaks and spend time with residents in a more relaxed setting. Having a cuppa and chatting with a resident can remind them of the enjoyable aspects of their job and provide a much-needed break from the daily challenges. It’s also mutually beneficial as residents get one-on-one time and personal attention.

While the challenges faced by care staff are significant, with understanding, support, and recognition, it’s possible to manage stress effectively and create a positive work environment. By implementing these strategies, you can make a difference in the lives of your care staff, which in turn has a positive impact on the residents they care for.