Stress Management
Figures derived from the Labour Force Survey 2004/05 indicate that around 13 million working days were lost in this year due to work-related stress.
In this section:
» Stress Management Training
» Assessing Stress in the Organisation
» Stress Reduction Programmes for Individuals
» Grow Your Own Stress Coaches
Stress Management Training
One of the most important first steps an organisation can take in
relation to stress is to define clearly what they mean by the term
and to promote a common understanding of the effects of stress on organisations
and individuals.
A programme of training in your organisation can give
people a common definition of stress and promote a culture in which
stress is openly discussed and in which solutions to stress-related
problems can be found. Managers can be trained to manage stress effectively
in individuals and teams. All staff can be trained to improve their
coping techniques and raise their own motivation and productivity.
Assessing Stress in the Organisation
Organisations that want to manage stress effectively will need to
know whether significant levels of stress exist in the organisation
as a whole or in specific roles, grades or locations. There is also
a legal requirement to protect the health and safety of employees and
to carry out risk assessments in relation to the hazards in the workplace.
This specifically includes the risk of employees developing stress-related
illness because of their work. Swiftwork can help by identifying the
levels and causes of stress in your organisation so that action can
be taken to reduce it where necessary. Methods of assessment will depend
on the size of the company and the nature of the problem, but might
include formal stress audits, staff surveys, focus groups and interviews
with staff.
Stress Reduction Programmes for Individuals
Swiftwork can provide tailored programmes for individuals who are
already identifying unhelpful or debilitating levels of stress. A consultant
qualified in the area of stress will work with the individual to assess
the specific causes of stress for them and the way it is currently
affecting them. They will negotiate together a programme to reduce
stress for that individual and the consultant will provide support
in implementing it.
Grow Your Own Stress Coaches
If stress-free people are more productive, it makes sense to offer
staff assistance in reducing their stress levels and managing their
stressors more effectively. One cost effective way of providing this
service to all staff is to develop your own in-house stress coaches.
Swiftwork can train and support a group of your own staff to do this.
Trained individuals who know the organisation but are removed from
the line management or team of the person involved can offer a very
valuable and effective service.