How does HSE define stress?

The HSE definition of stress is ‘the adverse reaction a person has to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed upon them’.

How many areas have been identified by the HSE as the main causes of stress?

six main areas
There are six main areas that can lead to work-related stress if they are not managed properly. These are: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change.

What is a stress management policy?

A Stress Policy is a formal written statement explaining the action an employer is taking with regard to managing stress and mental health problems in the workplace. The aims of a Stress Policy are often three-fold: To promote mental well-being at work.

Is there a legislation that covers stress?

It comes from two key places. The Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations 1999 which places a legal duty on employers to protect employees from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it. And under HR law, the Equalities Act (2010) which deals with disability discrimination.

What are the HSE standards?

HSE has designed the Management Standards approach to help employers manage the causes of work-related stress. It is based on the familiar ‘Five steps to risk assessment’ model, requiring management and staff to work together. The Standards refer to six areas of work that can lead to stress if not properly managed.

Is there any legislation that specifically covers stress?

Current legislation under the European framework directive 89/391 requires that all employers have a “duty to ensure the safety and health of workers in every aspect related to work” in so far as they entail a risk to health and safety. This duty covers work-related stress and its causes.

Is there any legislation that covers stress?

What is stress in the workplace?

Job stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury.

Do companies need a stress policy?

These can then often lead to long-term mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, as well as increase the risk of physical health problems, including heart disease. As such, all employers must provide their employees with a safe and stress-free place of work.

Can you be disciplined for work-related stress?

As such, it is entirely possible that an employer could pursue disciplinary action against the employee for being incapable of carrying out their job role due to long-term sickness. In doing so, they must follow a fair process before making any decision to take punitive action such as a warning or dismissal.

How do you handle employees with work-related stress?

The following steps should help:

1. Have a discussion or meet with the employee.
2. Enquire sensitively about the reasons behind their stress at work.
3. Avoid talking about issues that may increase their stress.
4. Carry out a stress risk assessment.
5. Define an action plan with the employee.