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Stress Management

Currently there is a great deal of focus on workplace stress and the effect this can have on both individual well-being and work productivity.

Recent research carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has clearly indicated a direct link between poor work organisation and subsequent ill health.

The HSE have highlighted the several workplace stress areas which have been found to contribute significantly to causing job stress.

The key organisational risk factors are:

Atmosphere
How stress is viewed within the organisation.

Demands
How well people consider they coping with the job demands and circumstances.

Control
How much control individuals perceive they have over their work environment.

Support
How much support people feel they receive in their job from peers and superiors.

Relationships
How constructive people feel their interpersonal relationships at work are.

Role
How clear people believe their roles are within the organisation.

Change
How included staff feel when changes are taking place.

Research has shown that all of the above areas are potential stressors for individuals in organisations. In particular, studies conducted by the HSE and other agencies suggest that overwork and excessively long working hours are also partly to blame.

As a result, a national set of Workplace Stress Management Standards has been developed. These standards are designed to provide a yardstick against which organisations can measure their progress in tackling work-related stress and indicate where action is needed to redress the situation.

Supported by the government, the IMSA run an annual stress awarness day encouraging individuals to take action to help resolve their personal stress levels.

These personal goals could include:

• Maintain regular exercise
• Eat regular meals
• Avoid excess coffee, alcohol, nicotine, tranquillisers
• Do not use alcohol or drugs to suppress stress levels
• Try relaxation-breathing exercises
• Do not concern yourself with things you cannot change or influence
• Talk to someone – a problem shared is a problem solved
• Be honest with yourself about how you feel

As causes of stress are often work related, organisations need to look at external independent organisations that can help establish the problem areas and provide solutions. The result of using such external companies will be a happier workforce, thus improved productivity.
 

For further information on how we can help resolve your workplace stress management concerns, call us today on 01225 336 569 or Click Here to fill in our online enquiry form.