Relieving stress requires candour and dialogue

Fewer colleagues than two years ago feel stressed “'often” or “all the time”. This is good news. But the fact remains that, according to the survey and despite the progress, every fifth employee suffers from a stress level which may harm their health. This calls for action. To continue the efforts already being made. And to think outside the box.

Fewer colleagues than two years ago feel stressed “'often” or “all the time”. This is good news.

But the fact remains that, according to the survey and despite the progress, every fifth employee suffers from a stress level which may harm their health. This calls for action. To continue the efforts already being made. And to think outside the box.

Stress is a social problem. It is also a complex issue with many factors involved.  Therefore, we need to bring forward all the good examples, tools, ideas and solutions to be able to continue the fight.

It is about greater psychological safety, it is about reducing the pressure of work, it is about how we organise our working life, and whether we have an influence on our work. It may be one thing to some and another thing to someone else. We need to discuss the issues to actually find the solutions.

At Finansforbundet, we work thoroughly on the entire spectrum, because not addressing the issue is simply not an option. Employers have a responsibility, and we are more than pleased to work out the solutions together. 

Because anyone may experience stress. Stress is a structural problem requiring joint solutions. 

It is about how we refer to the issue. Because why is it that you are “overcome” by stress when you are not “overcome” by a broken leg? Or by pneumonia for that matter? 

It makes a difference to talk about things. And it makes a difference how we talk about them.

So the fact is that you are not “overcome” by stress. It is a social issue, which affects far too many people. Therefore, we must talk about the problems and share solutions and ideas on how to improve employee well-being. 

Society spends DKK 55 billion on stress every year. And stress affects the individual, his/her colleagues and the companies. That is why it is crucial that we continue the fight across the spectrum. Let us change the conversation together.