Business Mentality

There are many definitions of stress. The Health and Safety Executive defines it as follows: 'Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them'.

The law requires employers to do more than provide counselling for individuals affected by stress-they have a duty to prevent and control workplace stress. Where stress caused or made worse by work could lead to ill health, employers are obligated to assess the risk and a number of pieces of legislation are relevant here.

Cost benefits from effective stress management can be expected to be in the region of 5% to 10%. This could be in the form of elements such as improved productivity, reduced sickness and absenteeism, better customer care, reduced staff turnover or few quality control problems.

If early the signs and/or symptoms of stress are not addressed, more serious consequences for emplyee health can follow.

The development of a ‘stress’ policy or ‘mental health in the workplace’ policy is a formal written statement explaining what action an employer is taking with regard to stress-related problems in the workplace.

Workplace stress can be minimised and staff suffering from stress-related complaints should be supported. Good people management where staff are provided with the appropriate support and development to enable them to carry out their work will create the most effective environment to reduce the risk of work-related stress. However, most people experience stress at some point in their lives, and this affects people in different ways. It is essential that managers and employees have some understanding of the effects and causes of stress on both the individual and organisation, in order to take preventative measures. This list may be helpful:

This is a short guide taken from the Business Link London website

Every employer, irrespective if business size or legal status has a duty of care to its staff.

Workplace stress is on the rise in the UK as more and more of us suffer from the burden of overwork and the problems of juggling busy lives both at home and in the office.

It is possible to create a mentally healthy workplace at little or no cost, and the rewards for making some small changes can be substantial. These can included raised morale, improved productivity, reduced recruitment costs and ultimately a better bottom line.