HEALTH and safety has long been a priority in the workplace.

But over more recent years health and well-being at work is fast becoming a major priority for employers.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development carry out an annual survey which highlights trends and practices in health and well-being and absence management.

According to the 2019 report absence, it is at an all-time low with only 5.9 days per individual per year.

But there was a high percentage of people who said they went to work when unwell or used their holidays to work.

One of the biggest challenges I have seen amongst many clients over the years is stress, and stress came in as the second top reason for long-term absence.

The three top causes were workloads, management style and relationships at work.

The major hurdle for a lot of people is that once they are ‘in’ it, it can be very difficult to see a way out.

Stress often manifests into physical and mental health and well-being symptoms which if not dealt with can and does cause a lot of illness.

Stress can be a very different experience for everybody and if it is causing you severe disruption I would always recommend checking in with your GP.

A few of the strategies I use with clients quite successfully are learning how to deep breathe.

Just a few simple breathing exercises can really help calm the nervous system.

I’m also a big fan of writing a journal. Getting thoughts out of your head on to paper can often reduce the ‘noise’ which helps to reduce anxiety and worry.