There is much confusion in the workplace regarding the meaning of work-related stress. The Health and Safety Executive defines work related stress as: ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other demands placed upon them’.

In itself stress is not an illness, it is a natural human reaction, but if this reaction is prolonged over a long time, or happening too often it may result in chronic stress which can lead to physical and/or mental ill-health.

Living in the twenty-first century, if you have a pulse, then you have stress. We are at the cutting edge of communication technology and some of us are expected, or expect ourselves, to be available 24/7. Stress is a common occurrence we all experience and is practically impossible to avoid. In order to be able to manage stress, so that it does not become harmful to you or those you manage, first of all you need to understand how it works. Stress does not automatically need to cause harm, it is a natural human response to enable us to meet demands, either physical or mental, real or perceived. Understanding how stress works is crucial. This one day course will explain in easy to understand terms, what stress is, the physical and mental risks of chronic stress, how stress effects the body and mind and how we can apply the HSE Management Standards Guidance to; manage stress in the workplace. It finishes with good advice on positive lifestyle choices we can all adopt to reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress.

Course content

• Statistics relevant to the prevalence of work-related stress
• The definition of work-related stress
• The legal framework regarding stress
• The stress response
• How stress can impact on mental and physical health
• What work related stress is and how it can be avoided and managed
• The risk assessment process for work related stress
• Applying the principles of HSE Management Standards Guidance
• Positive lifestyle choices you and those you manage may adopt in order to reduce the potential harm of stress at work

It has been recognised by the World Health Organisation and other health experts that the harmful effects of stress will be experienced by millions of people throughout the world. Employers who proactively manage work-related stress will be fully meeting their legal and moral responsbilities and will reap the rewards of lower absenteeism, staff turnover and higher productivity. Perhaps this course could be your starting point.

Please feel free to get in touch by email of phone if you would like to chat about this, or any of other other courses.