Information on Occupational Stress
Introduction
Stress can be defined as an adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed upon them. More than half a million people currently report experiencing stress associated with work at a level which makes them ill.
The employer has an important role in controlling workplace factors which have been shown to be associated with work-related stress, and encouraging employees to report concerns at an early stage and identify appropriate support. Whilst the employer is not under a legal duty to prevent non-work factors, a supportive environment will help employees to seek help for other issues and minimise their impact at work.
Suggested Steps
- Identify risk factors within the workplace, particularly those involving most employees. Seek feedback from employees and their representatives. HSE is developing generic management standards to assist you in this process.
- Involve employees and their representatives at an early stage in developing risk reduction measures, and planning workplace change. Aim for flexibility. Consider aspects of job demands, work role and relationships, and the level of control employees have in their role and the support they receive.
- Encourage early reporting of stress by encouraging managers to have an open and understanding attitude, to be aware of signs of stress and groups at risk.
- Establish contact with the employee at an early stage, to ensure that they have access to appropriate advice and support from their GP, and where available Occupational Health service and other specialists or counsellors.
- Investigate all reports of work-related stress and try to identify the source(s), and review risk assessment and risk management strategies as appropriate.
- Work with the employee to reduce the risk by making adjustments to the work role or place of work, or providing additional training or resources.
- Provide appropriate information and training necessary for all employees to undertake their role with confidence and encourage constructive dialogue.
- Provide information on and healthy lifestyles, and encourage employees to have a healthy work-life balance.
Useful links for further information on Stress
- HSE site on work related stress
www.hse.gov.uk/stress - Mind out for mental health
www.mindout.net - The International Stress Management Association (ISMA) UK
www.isma.org.uk - Engineering Employers Federation
www.eef.org.uk - Worksmart from the TUC
www.worksmart.org.uk/health - NHS Health Scotland (HEBSWeb)
www.hebs.scot.nhs.uk - HSE Publications
www.hsebooks.co.uk
Other useful resources:
- HSG218 Tackling work-related stress (A managers guide) (ISBN 0717620506)
- IND281.rev1 Help on work-related stress: A short guide (free leaflet)
- HSE RR138 Best practice in rehabilitating employees following absence due to work-related stress