According to Labour Force statistics, 828,000 people in the UK; which equates to more than half of those suffering from work related illnesses, are due to work related stress, anxiety or depression.  Based on these figures, it is estimated that more than 15,000 people in Northern Ireland are recorded to be suffering from work related stress, anxiety or depression.  From a moral perspective, this amounts to a great deal of mental and physical suffering, not only for the individuals who are ill, but also, their families, workmates and friends.

From a financial aspect, recent research has indicated that workplace ill-health is estimated to be costing the Northern Ireland economy over £238 million per year. If like the rest of the UK, more than half of this is due to work related stress, then there is a significant business case to addressing how we can manage this much misunderstood work related hazard.  So, let’s discover what’s in it for the Northern Ireland Assembly and economy to address the issue of stress related illness of our workforce.

1. Reducing the impact on the National Health Service.  Those people suffering from the harmful effects of stress have a higher risk of developing illnesses which include:

• Mental illness – such as anxiety or depression.  In many cases, these people are prescribed medication from their GP to relieve the symptoms of their mental illness. With the current NHS backlog in those being referred for specialist treatment, these people may be on medication and needing Primary Health Care for some time.
• Type 2 diabetes – research has shown that those people suffering the harmful effects of stress are more at risk of contracting diabetes due to digestive problems caused by chronic stress response.
• Obesity – the hormones released during the stress response which include adrenalin and cortisol are linked to the storage of fat around the middle region of the body, thus increasing the risk of carrying weight around that area. 
• High blood pressure – under pressure or threat, our body naturally triggers the stress response which increases blood pressure, heart rate, breathing etc.  People suffering from chronic stress (where perceived or real pressure occurs often each day) have a much higher risk of high blood pressure, which can result in stroke or heart attack.
• Musculoskeletal disorders – according to HSENI, there is an increased risk of these disorders which is associated with stress, in that the related muscle tension increases the risk of injury. (According to statistics more than 13,000 people every year develop musculoskeletal disorders in Northern Ireland)
• Lower immune system – it is well documented that those people who suffer from the harmful effects of stress have lower immune systems. 

2. The benefits of a healthy and productive workforce – We are all fully aware that in order for the Country’s GDP to be thriving, it is very important that the workforce is working hard, paying tax and National Insurance and creating a prosperous future for everyone.  Rather than taking out of the economy, everyone will contribute to a wealthy economy.

3. Reduced risk of absenteeism from work and associated sick pay. This will ensure that there are adequate funds for those who really need it.

4. Improved reputation for Northern Ireland with regards to the rest of the UK.   But also, further afield, Northern Ireland could become a place of choice for those wishing to invest in business from other countries in the world.

How’s that for what’s in it for the Northern Ireland economy? Now, how can it be accomplished?

• Firstly, acknowledge that work related stress is a problem in today’s workplace and that something must be done about it.
• Convince HSENI to enforce organisations to meet their legal duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all of their employees, so far as is reasonably practicable. And should they discover that the organisation is not putting in place controls to reduce the risks associated with work related stress, they can be prosecuted for breaching statutory law.
• Educate EVERYONE, on what stress is, how it can harm, and what organisations and individuals can do to reduce the associated risks.
• Measure how organisations are coping with stress through the HSE anonymous questionnaire to see where improvements are needed.
• Ensure that arrangements for addressing work related stress are included in the health and safety management system of every organisation.

The harmful effects of stress have been well documented for many years. We have an opportunity to put in place controls to reduce the risk of stress at work.  There is so much in it for everyone. 

Now you've read this blog, why not think about things from another perspective?

• An Employer's Perspective: CLICK HERE TO READ
• An Employee/Individual's Perspective: CLICK HERE TO READ