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An insight in to stress in the workplace
28 February 2008
A recent survey by the Samaritans provided an interesting insight into stress in the workplace. The report found, amongst other notable statistics, that 32 per cent of workers feel their employers ignore the problem of stress and 43 per cent feel their bosses are simply interested in getting as much out of them as possible, regardless of the effects on their health.
More than half of employees surveyed had seen colleagues cry in the workplace because of the pressure they are under. Interestingly, the survey seemed not to focus on the stress-levels suffered by employers or the inevitable and ultimately negative cultural connotations imported from our American cousins which sees staff reduced to a mere resource (hence the now familiar reference to human resources rather than personnel).
However, what the Samaritans' research illustrates is the importance in promoting fairness, equality and diversity in the workplace, which by implication requires employers to consider the full effects of their actions (and of other employees) on their staff. This does not need to involve anything particularly complex, and much can obviously be gleaned by bosses simply asking staff how they feel. a good, solid appraisal process is ideal for this, but should not be relied upon exclusively.
Recent cases my firm has dealt with demonstrate that workplace stress can often be dealt with through simple communication. Conversely, things go wrong when workplace issues are ignored and trivialised.
If all else fails, mediation through such organisations as ACAS may prove invaluable. To coin the old BT strapline, it's good to talk.
Adrian Poole of Porter Dodson Solicitors & Advisors
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