Did you know that April was Stress awareness month? Don’t stress if you didn’t, it’s never too late to address the issue of stress, especially on your workforce, and discuss the best ways of minimising its effects.
“The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them”
Stress is never more prevalent than in the workplace. As an employer of people, you have a legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to ensure the health safety and welfare at work of their employees. This includes minimising the risk of stress-related illness or injury to employees by taking actions such as:
- Monitor factors that might suggest there is a problem with stress-related illness in the business, for example, high rates of absenteeism, staff turnover, poor performance, conflict between staff
- Ensure there is a health and safety policy that addresses the issue of stress in the workplace, including, if appropriate, a stress management strategy
- Ensure effective risk assessments have been carried out, are monitored regularly and any recommendations are being implemented and adequately funded
- Plan for stress-related risks when embarking on significant organisational change.
Stress Awareness
Stress Awareness month has been going since April of 1992 and the idea is to get everyone talking more about stress and the effects it can have on our lives. Also, to increase openness and encourage people to share their own personal coping mechanisms and places that they have received help. Stress Awareness month is also about being aware that we need to look after ourselves and others.
If you would like any help and advice on how to alleviate stress in your workplace, contact Simon on 07714 790024 or email info@solvedhr.co.uk and he will be more than happy to help.