November 2003

Risk and Your Employees Wellbeing

A number of recent surveys show that more than half of British workers believe bosses should be actively trying to improve their employees' health.

Most of the 2,020 people questioned by Taylor Nelson Sofres , said it would help cut stress levels and improve general wellbeing. Most said it would also boost productivity and reduce sick leave.

High cost

The findings come just weeks after another survey suggested that stress costs British industry around £1.24bn each year. The poll of 700 managers indicated that stress was lowering productivity. Two out of three of the managers blamed it for higher rates of staff turnover.

Management Competence

In September, a survey by The Work Foundation found many managers simply do not feel able to help employees' cope with mental health problems; their lack of confidence was shared by employees. Just 2% of the 1,596 people questioned, said their manager would be able to help if they had a problem.

The Health and Safety Executive said employers must make sure the health of their workers is not damaged by stress. The recent introduction of stress standards reinforces the serious way the Health and Safety Executive view this matter. "All employers have a duty to make sure that their employees' health is not put at risk from exposure to work related stress," said Chris Rowe, its head of policy section.

Stephen Bevan, director of research at The Work Foundation, also welcomed the findings. "Employers already have a legal duty of care over the psychological well-being of their staff yet virtually none are carrying out risk analysis or putting preventative measures in place. This research highlights growing concern over mental ill-health in the workplace and its economic and human cost."

Mike Hall, chief executive of Standard Life Healthcare, said: "This survey shows that attitudes towards the way companies are engaged in the wellbeing of their staff are changing. People are now looking for their employers, not only to ensure that their healthcare is covered when they are sick but to intervene to prevent work related illnesses, such as stress. It's a win-win situation for employers as active management of staff stress and well-being can lead to an increase in company productivity and a reduction in illness related absence from work."

Manage Your Risks

Risk Assessment is a key area of business practice that is well understood in the process of making products and providing services, however it is not as well understood in the management of people. For advice on how you can better look after your employees, please contact Steve Stones for a confidential discussion.