Stress in the Workplace

Over recent years workplace stress has become one the hottest topics around and employers have increasingly found themselves defending costly litigation for personal injury claims, but what exaclty is stress?  The HSE describe it as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them” HSE - “Tackling Stress: The Management Standards Approach” (2005). 

The UK’s Health and Safety legislation holds employers legally responsible for recognising and dealing with potential sources of workplace stress.  It holds employers liable for the prevention of not only physical harm but also psychological injury arising from stress at work. Clearly some degree of pressure is normal in the workplace, but employers must make sure that it does not become excessive.

Individuals suffering from stress may exhibit physical symptoms, behavioural symptoms or both.

Behavioural symptoms include:

• Irritability
• Frustration & aggression
• Difficulty in making decisions or concentrating
• Paranoia
• Fear
• Tearfulness

Physical symptoms include

• Tiredness
• Insomnia
• Ulcers
• Skin problems
• Headaches/Migraines
• High blood pressure

These could lead to long terms health problems for the individual, higher absence & turnover levels for the organisation and costly personal injury claims.

We can:

• Help identify the sources of stress;
• Provide advice on appropriate procedures to follow;
• Provide advice on steps the employer should take to minimise their exposure, including implementation of appropriate company policies;
• Signpost employer’s to relevant sources of third party information & support.

Remember, doing nothing is not an option if you think one of your employees could be suffering from stress in the workplace