Stress

Stress at work is a major problem for many people. Mind, the National Association for Mental Health, issued a report which states that 1 in 6 employees in the UK is experiencing depression, anxiety or stress at any given time. 

Stress, depression and anxiety top both employer and employee surveys into sickness at work. The Confederation of British Industry's 2011 poll reported that 61% of all long term absences (twenty working days a year or more) were caused by mental ill health, as well as 46% of short term absences. The Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development's 2011 absence survey puts those figures at 57% (short) and 68% (long term absence). A recent Department of Work and Pensions survey of employees found that depression, anxiety and 'bad nerves' were the leading causes of illness

The Health & Safety Executive suggests that stress at work can be divided into primary areas and at WSM we have designed stress management services which are integral to supporting three of these:

Support

The level of encouragement and resources provided by employers can have a huge impact on stress levels within an organisation. It is important that people who are facing stress at work do not feel alone and can access support both inside and outside of work. An Employee Assistance Programme or managed counselling referral can provide that support on an individual basis and Wellbeing Promotion can begin support for large groups of people.

Relationships

Relationships with managers and colleagues sometimes go awry, contributing to conflict and other stressors in the workplace. Objective and confidential support through the Employee Assistance Programme can help individuals resolve their issues and move positively forward. Alternatively, if your business continuity is being affected by a serious dispute in the workplace, a 1-day mediation session can resolve conflict for key employees, to re-start the smooth running of everyday business.

Change

All functions within an organisation are susceptible to change and some individuals will respond in a negative and anxious way. Organisations can support each individual’s complex response to change through the provision of an Employee Assistance Programme, allowing employees to reach out spontaneously (anonymously) for help. Alternatively, managers can pro-actively support particular employees who are struggling, using our managed counselling referral service.