October 2003

The HSE & Stress

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has outlined in greater detail how its management standards for dealing with stress in the workplace will work.

As a benchmark, the standards estimate that about 20 per cent of employees within an organisation are likely to be very or extremely stressed at any one time.

To meet the standards, at least 85 per cent of an organisation's employees will need to be satisfied with the demands put on them, the level of control they have and the sort of support on offer.

When it comes to managing relationships, roles and change, the standard will be achieved if at least 65 per cent of employees indicate they are satisfied.
Within each standard, the HSE has outlined a range of measures that organisations need to achieve, for instance, ensuring there is adequate communication and consultation. Firms are also expected to carry out an audit to identify problems, consult with unions and managers and provide confidential counselling, where appropriate.

Bill Callaghan, chairman of the Health and Safety Commission, said: "There is a difference between the buzz people get from doing a challenging job, and an unreasonable pressure that can harm health, lead to absence and put additional strain on colleagues who are trying to cope in an even more pressured environment."

"So, in developing a new approach, it is important to get active participation, agreement and feedback. That is why we have decided that innovative firms seeking an answer can have a go with this scheme."

Key standards

That at least 85 per cent of employees:

indicate they are able to cope with the demands of their jobs
have a say about the way they do their work
receive adequate information and support from their colleagues and superiors

That at least 65 per cent of employees:

indicate they are not subjected to unacceptable behaviours (for example, bullying) at work
indicate they understand their role and responsibilities
indicate the organisation engages them frequently when undergoing an organisational change

In all of these, firms must also demonstrate that there are systems in place locally to respond to any individual concerns.

For more information on how you can confirm your compliance to the standards please contact Steve Stones.