WORK-RELATED STRESS

Work-Related Stress (WRS) is stress caused or made worse by work. It simply refers to when a person perceives the work environment in such a way that his or her reaction involves feelings of an inability to cope. It may be caused by perceived/real pressures/deadlines/threats/anxieties within the working environment.

One of the general duties of an employer under The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 list is to “ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees.” Therefore, it would be important that you consider any workplace hazard where there is a reasonable probability that it could cause work-related stress.

Risk assessments can help identify potential stressful situations and can make it easier to deal with stress claims. There can be a huge benefit to you as an employer and your employees to reduce stress and create a better workplace for everyone.

Stress Management

Here are 7 ways to reduce stress at work

  1. Promote a positive and supportive work environment.
  2. Ensure employees are aware of the company Stress Management Policy. If you don’t have a policy in place, implement one in collaboration with your employees.
  3. Carry out regular risk assessments on stressors like work demands and changes in working practices. Ensuring that all hazards and the risks associated with work-related stress are identified and assessed, and appropriate measures put in place to eliminate, control or minimise the risk.
  4. Communicate with employees with regards to any change in their workload, work environment or work patterns so they have an opportunity to indicate their capability.
  5. Provide employees with the opportunity to discuss work-related stress.
  6. Recognise signs of stress in yourself and others and encourage employees to report stressors and or symptoms of stress.
  7. Be aware of the range of employee support services available and advise employees of these services that are available to them E.g. EAP’s.

For more information or to discuss your HR needs, please contact us on 074 9123150 or send us an email.