Right Way | Is your team FIT FOR WORK?

Stress - it is your problem

NEW for 2008!

Click here to find out about our RFLI stress programme - recommended by GP's across the country!

For such a small word, stress can have a wide-ranging and far-reaching impact. Whilst we are concentrating here only on mental stress, this in itself can have both physical and mental repercussions. In addition to the obvious, severe symptoms, such as nervous breakdown, gastric ulcers and heart related problems, stress can raise cortisol levels in the body, causing a host of hormonal, body fat and glandular issues. Those who are unable to control the stress in their working lives will generally report a additional negative impact on their home lives.

With its physical, mental and extra-curricular effects on your staff, uncontrolled stress can only lead to low morale, bad concentration, poor job satisfaction and ultimately reduced productivity and low staff retention. Unmanaged stress causes a downward spiral as the unfortunate employee finds themself unable to function properly at work or at home, thus compounding the problem and causing even more stress

It is also important to differentiate between stress and pressure. The HSE defines stress as "the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them" as opposed to pressure which can be a good thing when managed correctly.

Stress - the hard truth

UK courts have recognised the culpability of employers in stress related illness since 1995 when the Walker v Northumberland became the first proven case of"psychiatric injury" caused by an employer

John Walker was awarded £175k against Northumberland County Council
The annual incidence of work-related mental health problems in Britain in 2005, as estimated from the surveillance schemes OPRA and SOSMI, was approximately 6,400 new cases per year.
10.5 million working days lost to stress in 2005/06 (HSE)
A record sum of over £200k was awarded in 2000 for stress in the case of Ingram v Hereford and Worcester Council
The exponential rise in work-place stress cases in progress rose from 459 in 1997 to 783 in 1998 and has continued to snowball
Each case of stress results in an average absence of 30.9 days
The HSE has attributed 70% of all visits to the doctor to stress, and 85% of serious illnesses

Stress- we've got solutions

The HSE advises employers to treat stress in exactly the same way as they would any other workplace hazard. As you know, this means assessing the risk, identifying those at risk and reducing exposure / minimising the the effects of stress in the workplace. As well as the more obvious methods of stress control such as our active relaxation and massage services, did you know that exercise is widely held to be one of the best ways to reduce the harmful effects of mental stress through improved confidence, satisfaction and increased endorphin release.

In house (even at desk) massage to help your staff to relax and unwind. After a brief re-energising session, this leaves them more focussed, and better able to face the day ahead (and the next day!)
Stress control classes where your delegates can learn how to use mind and body to manage their own stress levels.
A range of complementary therapies, fitness classes and lifestyle management strategies available to maximise morale and minimise downtime.
The Relaxation For Living Institute stress management programme.

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