How to Recognise Signs of Stress in Teams

Teams are interdependent on each other and heavily rely on communication technology, especially over the last number of years. Stress is a response to pressure. Anxiety is often a consequence or build-up of feeling stressed.

Covid-19 has challenged all of us and it is vital that managers and leaders can identify warning signs of stress and support each team member at an individual level.

Each person experiences stress in different ways. It can show up in unpredictable ways, from sudden outbursts to unexplained illness or absence.

Watch out for these signs and symptoms in your colleagues. If they appear regularly or as an exaggerated version, your colleague may be struggling.

This list is not exhaustive and will vary greatly from person to person.

Workplace counsellors often work with clients within an ABC triangle, exploring the ‘Affective’ (how we feel), the ‘Behavioural’ (how we behave) and the ‘Cognitive’ (how we think). But you don’t have to be a therapist to be able to spot the signs of stress or anxiety in colleagues.

If some of these warning signs are challenging your team’s effectiveness, talk to us about a range of supports to help through these uncertain times and beyond.