Podcast on Stress Awareness and Management Techniques

At 1Stop Training, we are passionate about supporting the wellbeing of the health and social care workforce. Recently, The Caring View hosted an important discussion on stress awareness and management with guest Jenny Stanley, our Director of Training and Education. Drawing on more than 30 years’ experience, Jenny explored the impact of stress across the sector, from chronic understaffing and resource challenges to the lasting effects of the pandemic. The discussion also highlighted practical strategies for individuals, managers, and organisations, ranging from boundary setting and prioritisation to stress risk assessments and leadership responsibility, aimed at creating healthier, more resilient care environments. You can watch the podcast here or access an easy read summary below.

Understanding Stress

Stress exists on a spectrum: it can be motivating in the short-term but harmful when chronic.

In social care, stress often becomes normalised, which risks both staff wellbeing and quality of care.

Key Stressors in Social Care

Lack of resources preventing staff from delivering the care they want to provide.

Chronic understaffing and high turnover.

Recruitment challenges, with local competition offering higher pay.

Managerial pressures, often without adequate support from senior leadership.

Strategies for Managing Stress

For Individuals

Juggling theory: identify which tasks are critical “glass balls” and which are “rubber balls” you can drop if needed.

Set boundaries: protect your personal time and avoid being “always on.”

Transition activities: small tasks like tidying your desk can reset your mindset.

Lists and priorities: breaking tasks down reduces overwhelm.

Flexible working: using quieter times to focus without interruptions.

Use technology wisely: manage notifications and switch off outside of hours.

For Teams and Services

Practical short-term support: e.g., senior staff stepping in when teams are stretched.

Visible leadership: being present, listening, and even simple gestures like making tea.

Regular check-ins: team meetings and supervision help spot early warning signs.

Balanced workloads: avoid overloading the most reliable team members.

For Organisations

Leadership commitment to staff wellbeing.

Policies and frameworks such as wellbeing strategies and stress risk assessments.

Investment in training (e.g., mental health first aiders, wellness action plans).

Recognition and support: celebrate successes and acknowledge challenges openly.

The Pandemic’s Legacy

Many staff carry vicarious trauma or PTSD-like symptoms from the COVID-19 crisis.

Ongoing reminders can still trigger stress responses.

However, resilience and new skills have also emerged, which should be recognised and valued.

Leadership Lessons

Model openness: it’s okay to fail, and staff should see that.

Delegate and share responsibility to avoid burnout.

Lead with compassion, flexibility, and charisma to inspire and retain staff.

Resources for Support

Mind Wellness Action Plan – personalised wellbeing planning tool (Mind Charity website).

NHS Every Mind Matters – practical stress management tips and resources (NHS website).

Stress Risk Assessments – guidance available via the HSE.

Mental Health First Aider Training – available from sector providers including 1Stop Training.

Final Takeaways

Stress is not always negative, but chronic stress must be tackled.

Support needs to be practical, visible, and timely.

Managers must protect their own wellbeing as much as their team’s.

Organisations have a duty of care to create cultures where staff feel supported.

Elevating social care as a skilled, professional career is key to improving recruitment, retention, and resilience.

Resources on Stress and Mental Health

We believe that knowledge should be accessible. That’s why we offer a range of free resources, infographics, and initiatives to support the wider health and social care community. These tools are designed to spark ideas, inspire change, and help teams at every level lead with confidence and compassion. From frontline staff to senior leadership, we’re here to support those who are committed to making care better.