Business Mentality

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.

The biggest health threat to staff and the single biggest cause of ill-health absence from work is stress (Health & Safety Commission). According to an ACAS report published in 2005, stress is estimated to cause over 13 million sick days each year, and costs employers £3.7 billion ( although the CBI puts this estimate much higher). If stress related absence continues to rise at predicted rates it is expected that the cost of it will rise accordingly.

According to the CIPD, the average cost of absence now stands at £588 pa per employee. MIND the mental health charity suggests that every £1000 spent on helping people to be healthy and motivated at work could result in £3000 in increased productivity.

On average each stress related absence involves 29 working days lost.

In the same way that managers invest in the maintenance and smooth running of workplace essentials such as buildings and equipment, investment in the health and contentedness of staff is essential.

Ways exist for a business to reduce instances of stress and better manage the issue when it arises. Effective people management, good two-way communication between employers and employees, suitable working environments and effective work organisation are just some of the factors that have an impact.

Awareness, prevention and management of work-related stress makes good business sense.