Work-related stress costs the UK approximately £4 billion every year, so it is not surprising that the HSE has made identifying ways of dealing with it one of its priorities.
One approach has been to produce a blueprint for employers entitled "Management Standards for Stress", aimed at reducing sickness and absenteeism by setting standards aimed at easing pressure and improving the quality of life at work. The new code will introduce a legal basis for assessing the levels of stress at work and will include items such as reduction of the demands of jobs, giving staff more control over their work and giving employees better support. If less than 65 per cent to 85 per cent of employees fail to agree that the relevant standard has been met, the employer will fail the assessment. Failure will render the employer liable for prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
In addition, the HSE has published guidance, entitled "Real Solutions, Real People a manager's guide to tackling work-related stress", which aims to help businesses by giving practical advice on ways of tackling poor work design. The guide is based on a series of case studies of interventions that have been effective in other organisations. The full pack can be ordered from HSE Bookfinder.
