Article provided by Lucie Ironman, Psychological Wellbeing Facilitator, Vita Health Group
Not only is this increased stress impacting our mental health, but it is also impacting our physical health too. So much so, in fact, that stress has been linked to heart disease, immune system issues, insomnia and even digestive problems. All of which are not only physically debilitating but can have a serious implications on workplace productivity too.
That being said, stress is actually completely normal and not always a bad thing. More than likely, you will have heard of the flight or fight response, this is actually stress.
Fight or flight is how the body protect itself and gets ready for harmful situation. When we feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in our body that allows us to act in a way to prevent injury. Many physiological changes happen during a stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing rate quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises. This is your body’s natural way of getting ready to protect itself and prepare you to either fight or escape the threat.
But remember, not all stress is bad. Stress could be the one thing that saves you, for instance, allowing you to slam the brakes on a car to avoid a fatal collision. We can cope well the small bursts of stress however long-term stress can have a negative impact on our health and well-being.
One of the best ways to control stress is to recognise the signs and symptoms. But detecting the symptoms may be more challenging than most of us think. Many of us are so used to being stressed in our daily lives we often don’t realise how stressed we are until reach a breaking point. And, of course, by this stage it’s often too late.
When it comes to our workplaces, stress is said to be one of the biggest problems employees admit to suffering from. The main causes of stress are usually due to workload, lack of job security or personal problems. Mental health in the workplace has an impact on the quality of work delivered, the number of sick days employees take and the general working atmosphere.
And corporate health is not just a buzzword. Its implementation is integral and necessary for mental health in the workplace. As such, it’s important to ensure your colleagues or team are working in a stress-free environment and have access to resources that can help alleviate stress.
Encouraging your team or colleagues to exercise and eat healthily are two of the best stressbusters around.
If we do spot the signs of stress in our colleagues, it’s important that we don’t ignore them.
1. Help them to spot the signs. It’s always easier to spot signs of stress in other people than it is for them to see it themselves. If you’ve noticed changes in someone’s behaviour that suggests they’re feeling stressed, don’t let them bury their head in the sand over it. Try to reach out to them.
2. Listen. Often just knowing that somebody is there to listen can make a huge difference. You don’t always need to offer advice to your friend or loved one, just take the time to listen to them and remind them that you care.
3. Offer reassurance. Try to remind your friend or loved one that this feeling won’t last forever. Reassure them that there are people they can talk to, and you are there for them no matter what.
4. Offer practical support. If there’s a specific issue that’s causing someone to feel stressed such as money worries, job loss or relationship problems, you may be able to help them find practical solutions that make the situation easier.
Remember no one should suffer alone. We have included some support services below that you could share with your colleague if you are worried about them.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.