It’s important that employers recognise the signs of stress in the workplace. They might risk legal action against them if they ignore it or are unable to deal with it.
Stress is the major cause of sickness absence, costing businesses thousands in lost productivity every year, not to mention a great deal of misery to sufferers. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) there were over 11 million working days lost in 2013/14. But despite its sensitive nature, stress and other psychosocial risks can be successfully tackled and reduced. Addressing stress is well worth the effort, leading to improved employee health, reduced costs relating to sickness absence and may lead to improved business performance.
The European Agency for Health and Safety (EU-OSHA) runs a biennial “Healthy Workplace” campaign on specific Health & Safety topics. The main topic running for the next 18 month is “Healthy workplaces manage stress”. Plus the HSE has developed a website to support the campaign which has some useful information as well as details on how employers could promote what they’ve done to tackle stress. Part of the campaign is an award scheme where a business can enter a case study to be considered for a Good Practice Award or just to blow their own trumpet to generate positive PR.
Sutton Winson can offer practical support, and a business can benefit from:
- A 24 hour confidential helpline manned by trained counsellors for all the employees
- A “model stress policy” and other advice on this important issue
- eLearning training modules on stress awareness for both; managers and staff
- eLearning training to deal with violence and bullying in the workplace
This approach provides much more than just insurance as it looks at the overall risk management picture and how insurance fits within it.
If you would like to talk to us about stress in the workplace or other risk management and insurance issues, please contact Chris on chris.hickey@swib.co.uk
Category: Employee Benefits & Healthcare
Debbie Parker
I joined Sutton Winson in November 2011 as an Account Executive and now work as a Client Manager within the Health and Protection Division. I previously worked for SJA International and Legal & General in various different departments. I have over 15 years experience in assisting the healthcare needs of individuals and employees to help find the best possible deal or protection solutions. I hold the Chartered Insurance Institute Certificate (Cert CII).
