Work related stress

[Potatomash]

I'm having an awful time at my newish job

The workload is that of multiple people, I can't keep up. There are currently 2 of us, should be 3, which has dwindled down from 6. Since starting it transpires no one really stays in this role, presumably from the amount that is put upon the team.
I was off for 2 days last week and have came back to multiple emails and people chasing things. I have too much to do within my working hours and can't concentrate on anything and feel liable to making mistakes. I feel like I have to get in cleared within a couple of days as more stuff just roles in to be completed, so you can't catch up. Just a vicious circle.

I can't speak to my manager as they are partly to blame by not acting upon things I have sent them, thereby leaving me as "the middle man" dealing with people. Plus things that have been raised with them by others previously haven't changed. There's no one approachable above them either.

I feel so low and disappointed, this was supposed to be foray into a new career and its nosedived. A higher up colleague told me that not everywhere in this field is like this and that the workload is ridiculous for us...they've been in our position recently too. Its endemic throughout the company, work related stress... I always thought it was a bit of a cop out but now I'm in this position I could cry my eyes out. I fear going off sick will impede on my chances of moving elsewhere.

So sorry. Work related stress is awful. It really shouldn’t be this hard.
is there a HR department/person you an speak to? If not I’d look for another job ASAP & make the reason for leaving very clear. I hope things improve for you soon However, going off sick would be preferable to ending up so damaged you may never recover-I speak from experience. 8 years after leaving, and working in an unrelated job, & my MH is still awful.

You could speak to Acas for advice if need be.
an employer has a legal obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees. As part of this, an employer must conduct risk assessments for work-related stress and take actions to prevent staff from experiencing a stress-related illness because of their work.
www.acas.org.uk/archive/dealing-with-stress-in-the-workplace

webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20210104113357/archive.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=6062

Thank you for those links, I'll take a look at those. I'm sorry you've had a bad experience too, I think we should enjoy work and not dread each day especially within a smaller business where I am, its been a real shock to the system moving from a big organisation with defined structures and procedures in place.

I might try speaking to our HR lady but I do worry it may fall on deaf ears.

I do think I will just have to try and look elsewhere, not ideal but as you said I don't want to end up damaging myself in the long run, and hope the grass is greener.

Sickness is really my last resort as I think I'd be more stressed worrying about what I'd be returning to as no one would be able to cover my work. (Although there's 2 of us we're in slightly different (super busy) roles)

Maybe email the HR lady so there is something in writing. The 2nd person must be suffering too. Maybe you could join forces and have a joint meeting?
good luck!

I just saw this, very apt 😏
vm.tiktok.com/ZMLTa2kq6/

😂 😂 😂 That's it in a nutshell!!!!