HSE Guidance on Stress
HSE commissioned research has indicated that:
- about half a million people in the UK experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill;
- up to 5 million people in the UK feel "very" or "extremely" stressed by their work; and
- work-related stress costs society about £3.7 billion every year (at 1995/6 prices).
(see http://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/ for further info)
In November 2004 the HSE produced guidance to help businesses tackle the issue of work-related stress. The management standards cover six areas which employers need to consider and evaluate within their own working environments (demands; control; support; relationships; role; change). A copy of the standards can be downloaded from the HSE web site listed on our 'Links' page.
If your company has more than 5 people then the Health & Safety Executive recommends that your organisation has :
- regular risk assessments and audits of the stress levels within the workforce
- a stress management policy
- training provision to inform staff and address deficits highlighted in the audits
- stress counselling support
At a time when stress is costing industry a great deal of money in staff turnover and absenteeism, Esk Consulting can support and implement the necessary risk assessments, training and counselling to allow you to be HSE compliant. We work closely with both the HSE and the International Stress Management Association (ISMA) to help employers to implement the standards. For example, any of the following can be contracted through Esk Consulting for employees:
- Life and performance coaching for individuals and teams to help with productivity as well as work/life balance.
- Training sessions can be provided to explore the inter-personal skills of your workforce, for example, assertiveness training; improving motivation in the workplace; improving personal performance; managing bullying and harassment.
- A confidential, employee support counselling service can be provided away from the workplace.
- Other therapies can be offered on or off-site to help with musculo-skeletal symptoms for example, Bowen Technique, Massage, Indian Head Massage and Reiki.
- In-house stress awareness short courses. These can be offered as hourly, half-day or full-day training sessions to suit the needs of your business.
- Relaxation sessions using guided imagery can be provided as an interesting diversion at your business conferences or training events.
- Regular 'in-house' individual stress awareness or relaxation sessions can be provided as a company benefit.
Esk Consulting already provides a number of Staff Support Services to local main employers, SMEs and also acts as a local centre for national counselling and support organisations that specialise in working with large UK business enterprises. Our Director, Marion Dunlop is a Full Member of the International Stress Management Association so has regular contact with other stress management consultants along with access to up to date strategies for helping employers/employees work more effectively.
To discuss your organisation's needs please call Marion on 01228 409092 or email us at: Esk Consulting