Did you know that 76% of working individuals in the UK currently experience moderate to high levels of stress? Sick days due to work-related stress or burnout are costing the UK economy a staggering £28 billion a year! However, workplace stress can be effectively managed when staff are provided with the relevant information and tools.
Employers have both a legal and moral duty to safeguard the health and safety of their employees and others who enter their premises. Work-related stress can lead to staff absences and a decline in productivity, resulting in a significant financial impact on businesses. In the UK, 13.7 million working days are lost each year due to work-related stress. Stress negatively impacts staff performance, reliability, and retention, ultimately increasing costs associated with recruitment and training. In severe cases, stress-related issues may lead to increased insurance premiums and potential litigation from affected individuals.
Employers are legally obliged to ensure that their workers are not harmed or made ill due to work activities, which includes mental health. Regulations such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mandate employers to assess and control the risks of work-related stress or ill health.
Primarily, stress-related illness is not reportable under RIDDOR since the causes of stress are often complex and specific to individual circumstances. However, instances of stress-related illness can be reported to enforcing authorities, such as the HSE, potentially leading to investigations.
Stress can have a significant impact on employees’ mental health, making it crucial for employers to understand work-related stress and differentiate between applying pressure and causing stress. Our Stress Awareness Training caters to both employees and employers, covering topics such as stress prevention, problem recognition, and pressure management.
If you’re looking for comprehensive training courses in stress and mental health awareness, reach out to our expert staff today and discover more about fiasco.