STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Introduction

n Stress is the way that you feel when pressure is placed on you.

n A little bit of pressure can be productive, give you motivation, and help you to perform better at something.

n Too much pressure or prolonged pressure can lead to stress, which is unhealthy for the mind and body.

n Stress often leads to physical, mental and emotional problems.

n Stress is a significant cause of illness and disease and is known to be linked with high levels of sickness absence, staff turnover and other indicators of organizational underperformance - including human error.

n Stress in the workplace reduces productivity, increases management pressures, and makes people ill in many ways.

n Workplace stress affects the performance of the brain : memory, concentration, and learning.

n Employers should provide a stress-free work environment, recognise where stress is becoming a problem for staff, and take action to reduce stress.

n Stress is believed to trigger 70% of visits to doctors, and 85% of serious illnesses.

n Working can provide our lives with structure, purpose, satisfaction, self-esteem and financial income.

n One in five people suffers from workplace stress.

n Stress is not a disease, but it can be a threat to your health and safety at work. Legally, your employer must take care of your health and safety when you are at work.

n Stress can also be triggered by events away from work, such as bereavement, money worries and illness.