Managing Stress in the Workplace

We all experience stress in our lives at some time - in fact, we need some pressure to keep us motivated, focused and purposeful. It is when we experience excessive pressure that the effects can lead to negative levels of stress.

This can have a significant and sometimes serious impact on performance, behaviour, relationships and health. As the term suggests, Work Related Stress is stress that is caused by, or made worse by work or the working environment.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) defines stress as, "the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demands placed on them"

Results from their latest commissioned reasearch indicates that one in five of us - approximately 5 million workers feel 'very' or 'extremely' stressed by their work and Work Related Stress costs society about £3.7 billion every year ('95/'96 prices)

What are the symptoms of Work Related Stress?

These are very varied, but just a few include:

Sleep Disturbances
Loss of Concentration
Anxiety and Depression
Irritability
Increased use of alcohol, cigarettes and other substances
Feeling out of control, and unable to cope
Withdrawal
Symptoms of Physical Ill-health - eg. asthmas, ulcers, heart disease, digestive disorders

What may the consequences for an employer be?

High levels of absenteeism
Potential for increased incidence of accidents/mistakes
High staff turnover
Increased costs for temporary staffing, overtime and recruitment
Significant impact on organisational planning
Tensions between management, staff, and staff teams
Low Staff Morale
Increased incidents of bullying/harrassment
Lack of consistency in quality and quantity of work
Reduced productivity
Poor performance
Deterioration in standards of customer service
Threat of litigation

What can cause stress in the workplace?

Staff have an unacceptable workload and/or targets. ( too much or too little)
Workplace relationships are uncomfortable and staff do not feel respected or valued
Behaviour which can be considered as bullying/harrassment
The views of workers are not sought, listened to, valued, or acted upon
Lack of clarity about different roles and expectations
Organisational change which involves job uncertainty or significant change in working practices.
Lack of control and choice over work load or working practices
De-skilling of workforce
Culture of negativity and blame
A lack of support for staff and their individual needs and difficulties
Poor training and development opportunities

So whose responsibility is it?

Both employee and employer have a role to play in how stress is experienced and managed in the workplace, and should be approached
in partnership. The HSE's new Management Standards for Stress encourage a partnership approach as well as working towards ongoing
improvement.

The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require that employees:

Inform their employer of any deficits in health and safety arrangements, and this would include factors relating to Work Related Stress.
Take reasonable steps to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their behaviour or actions

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 sets out employers general duties towards employees to ensure health, safety and welfare at work.

Employers need to be able to demonstrate that they have shown a 'duty of care' to their employees. This involves a wide range of requirements, including:

Periodic Assessment of risk
Implementation of necessary changes identified by assessment
Providing adequate welfare facilities
Ensuring staff have adequate information, training and supervision to do their jobs safely

So, how can an employer begin to tackle Work Related Stress in their organisation?

Identify key personnel to take a lead role (include staff at all levels)
Commission external support services if appropriate
Assess the risk
Draw up a plan based on risk assessment
Implement the plan
Review the plan
Consider additional staff support services and pro-active policies and practices

If you woud like more information on how Odyssey can help your organisation with any aspect of Managing Stress Within the Workplace and supporting your staff, please contact us.

We will be happy to meet with you in complete confidence, and without obligation