Mental Health at Work: Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout
Learn how to manage stress at work, recognise burnout, and protect your wellbeing with practical mental health tips for the workplace.
Stress is a common challenge for people working in health and social care, especially in fast-paced environments. While some stress can be motivating, prolonged or unmanaged stress can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and in some cases longer-term health issues.
At Surrey Talent Hub, we recognise the importance of mental wellbeing at work. Below are practical ways to manage stress and reduce the risk of burnout.
Recognise the signs of burnout
Burnout rarely happens overnight. It often builds up gradually and can show itself in different ways, such as:
- constant exhaustion, even after rest
- feeling disengaged or unmotivated
- reduced focus and productivity
- increased irritability or frustration
- physical symptoms such as headaches or insomnia
If you notice these signs in yourself or a colleague, it is important to act early. Speaking with your line manager or supervisor can be a good first step to accessing support.
Set boundaries and protect your work-life balance
Your work should not come at the cost of your wellbeing. Setting healthy boundaries between work and personal life can reduce stress and improve recovery.
Try to:
- stick to working hours where possible and avoid checking emails outside work time
- avoid adding work emails to personal devices if you do not need to
- take regular breaks during the day to reset and recharge
- reduce excessive multitasking, which can increase stress levels
Foster a supportive work environment
A supportive workplace culture plays a key role in protecting mental health. Employers and managers can help by encouraging:
- open and respectful conversations about mental wellbeing
- flexible working arrangements where appropriate
- a culture of appreciation, inclusion, and peer support
If you are not in a leadership role, you can still contribute by checking in with colleagues and encouraging positive team communication.
Practice self-care and stress management techniques
Self-care is not a luxury — it is essential. Building small habits into your routine can help you manage stress more effectively.
- Exercise: physical activity can reduce stress and improve mood
- Mindfulness or breathing: even a few minutes can help reset your focus
- Healthy eating: balanced meals support energy levels and concentration
- Sleep routine: aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night
Seek professional support when needed
Sometimes managing stress alone is not enough — and that is okay. Seeking support from a mentor, HR professional, or mental health specialist can be beneficial.
Many organisations offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which may include confidential counselling and wellbeing resources. If you are unsure what support is available, ask your manager or HR team.
Final thoughts
Mental health at work should not be overlooked. By recognising the signs of burnout, setting boundaries, encouraging supportive workplaces, and prioritising self-care, we can help create healthier environments where people thrive.
At Surrey Talent Hub, we believe a happy and healthy workforce is key to sustainable health and social care services across Surrey.
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