Council encourages staff to be aware of stress and its potential impact at work

3rd November 2020

Highland Council is encouraging its workforce to be aware of stress during working life and its potential impact as part of National Stress Awareness Day, which takes place on Wednesday, 4 November 2020.

A key focus for National Stress Awareness Day this year is to tackle the anxiety and emotional pressure which many may be feeling as a result of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from concern for family and close friends to financial worries.

Employees are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on the fact that these are not normal times and that increased levels of stress for both individuals and their colleagues is perfectly reasonable in these circumstances. This is particularly relevant as we approach the winter months, with significant seasonal changes, which in itself can often be a mental struggle for many individuals.

To help support staff both during National Stress Awareness Day and as an on-going and continued priority for the organisation, Highland Council has the following resources and support available:

Employee Assistance Programme

My On-line Learning

Mental Health & Wellbeing Toolkit

Mental Health Representatives

Cllr Linda Munro, Chair of the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, said: "Good mental health and wellbeing is one of the Council's priorities for all people - including Council staff - and plays such an important role in enabling individuals to thrive and prosper across all areas of life."

She continued: "The on-going pandemic this year has clearly caused enormous worry and emotional strain to many individuals for a whole host of different reasons. It particularly demonstrates the importance of supporting staff through initiatives such as this to enable them to recognise when they are at risk of being overwhelmed by stress and to take steps to alleviate this. Maintaining a workforce with good mental health within the organisation is key."