Stress In The Workplace

Stress is defined by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) as:

“The adverse reaction a person has to excessive pressure
or other types of demands placed upon them”

The definition then goes on to say:

“There is a clear distinction between pressure, which can create a ‘buzz’ and be a
motivating factor, and stress, which can occur when this pressure becomes excessive”.

The real problem in defining stress is that what may be stressful to one person is not to another as it is a very individual experience. This is why Solutions 4 Stress takes the time to understand each organisations particular needs along with those of the individual employees & then creates a bespoke training programme specifically aimed at achieving the desired changes and required outcomes.

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Stress is now the most frequent cause of absence in the workplace which can have a detrimental effect on employee performance & moral. Poor communication, ineffective leadership, managers lacking appropriate people skills & a lack of adequate support systems all have a negative effect on both the individual employee and the organisation.

By building a positive culture from the top of the organisation down, where it is acceptable to talk about stress without it being seen as an inability to do the job, where stress is openly acknowledged & competently managed, the long term damage of stress can be avoided.

If your employees are well & benefit from the positive environment in which they work, they will be able to achieve their potential & your organisation will have a well deserved sustainable & competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Some recent facts on stress in the UK

            13.5 million working days each year are lost to stress, anxiety & depression. (HSE 2001/4)
            and sickness absence is costing British Business over £12 billion per year.
           
            One in five workers report feeling extremely stressed at work. This equates to 5 million
            in the UK. (HSE).

            The average time taken off by workers as a result of stress is estimated at 28.5 days
            per year (HSE 2004)

The 2005 workplace Health & Safety Survey found:

            The most widespread hazard is stress.

            A fifth of the workforce were concerned that stress could cause them harm.
           
            60% of employees stated that their managers didn’t discuss work related stress.

            79% think that stress can be caused by work.

            56% know someone in the workplace who has been affected by stress.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) found in research revised in
September 2006 that:

            Stress is one of the most important reasons behind sickness from work & that stress
            related absence is increasing.

            Three quarters of executives say that stress adversely affects their health, happiness,
            home life & their performance at work.

A new report from The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) and
Active Health Partners found:

            Mental ill health is the second largest cause of time lost due to sickness absence in
            UK organisations with stress, depression & anxiety accounting for over 50% of these
            mental health problems.

            Employees suffering depression take on average 30 days for each sickness absence spell.
            Employees suffering stress & anxiety take on average 21 days for each sickness
            absence spell.

The following are some of the many health problems that are linked to chronic stress.

• Heart Attacks • Coronary Heart Disease • High Blood Pressure • Strokes • Insomnia • Infertility • Memory Loss

• Poor Concentration • Diabetes • Depression & Anxiety • Obesity • Eating Disorders • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Depleted Immune System   (leading to increased susceptibility   to viruses & infections)

The mass of evidence & research from eminent body’s such as the British Heart Foundation show that the effects on the body, mentally, physically & emotionally of stress cannot be ignored & to do so will almost certainly lead to ill health, the only real questions are – WHEN? WHAT? & HOW?

Deciding to proactively manage stress is ensuring that your organisation not only fulfils its legal duty of care to its employees, but it also provides them with the best opportunity to achieve outcomes that are beneficial to all. Managing stress improves performance & enhances creative ability, providing a more committed positive & ultimately more productive workforce.

             Please CONTACT US for further details or call 07511 271777 to discuss your requirements.

 

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