Britain’s work
stress epidemic
Health and
safety is the key factor for all industries in order to reduce stress of both
employers and employees, writes Phil Gutteridge, Managing Director of ETD
Training.
We probably all know what it’s like to feel a little stressed at work and can
cope with that. But prolonged excessive stress can become a problem for both
the employee and the company they work for. Workplace stress is hazardous to
employee wellbeing. It impacts on productivity and performance and can lead to
physical illness and depression. That translates into long-term absence, increased
staff turnover, even legal action.
Official figures reveal the scale of the problem faced by employers. The Health
and Safety Executive calculates that work-related stress, depression or anxiety
accounted for 57% of all working days lost in 2017/18. Stressed workers took 15.4
million days off, at a cost to the economy of more than £5 billion.
Britain is currently in the grip of a work stress epidemic. Commonly cited
causes are workloads, job insecurity, long work hours, conflicts with
colleagues and bosses.
Recent evidence points the finger at our “always on” workplace culture. Leaving
the office once meant leaving ‘work’ behind, now we take a lot of our work home
with us - thanks to our smartphones. Work-related emails, messages, can be hard
to ignore.
There’s no specific law aimed at workplace stress, however employers have a duty
of care to their employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure
their health, safety and wellbeing. Employers must assess the risk of
work-related stress and take reasonable measures to control these risks.
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992, to increase public
awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. This
is the ideal opportunity for employers to put employee wellbeing at the top of
the agenda; to start tackling work-related stress and assessing what their
employees need to be healthy and productive. Health and safety is key for
companies and organisations to facilitate the wellness of both employers and
employees. A safe and comfortable working environment can help reduce the
stress of employees. Health can be improved through regular breaks, a positive
work-life balance and wellness initiatives such as free fruit, on-site
meditation or yoga classes.
Realistically, these initiatives may not be viable for small businesses who are
looking after their people to the best of their ability while trying to make
ends meet as a business. Time, financial, and space constraints may mean office
yoga is simply out of reach! Instead employers can implement little touches,
such as friendly / fun competitions, birthday cakes, an annual summer BBQ. It’s
crucial to create an environment where directors and manage can be approached
for discussion of any employee concerns. Whatever the business, an employer’s
most important asset is their people.