The Scotsman

A stress-free workplace is a better workplace

At some point in our careers, most of us have felt the weight of varying degrees of stress in the workplace.

Recently, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report, revealed that 1.8 million UK workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2022/23, with nearly half experienci­ng stress, depression or anxiety.

The HSE defines stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them”. Recognisin­g the signs of stress is crucial, and the HSE has outlined some key indicators. One obvious sign could be employees taking increased time off wor. Naturally, an increase in staff turnover is also indicative.

A decline in performanc­e can also be a tell-tale sign, often stemming from a lack of motivation and additional­ly, noting significan­t changes in an employee's behaviour as the pressures of stress can result in colleagues acting erraticall­y.

Employers have a legal duty of care to protect employees from stress at work. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 mandates that employers ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees by identifyin­g and assessing the threats of workrelate­d stress and also taking reasonable steps to mitigate and control these risks.

There are responsibi­lities under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation­s 1999 which require employers to conduct a “suitable and sufficient assessment” of all risks to the health and safety of their employees, including mental health risks.

Additional­ly, under the Equality Act 2010, employers can be held liable if stressrela­ted injuries or illnesses are a result of discrimina­tion or harassment at work.

Employers should actively encourage open communicat­ion about workplace stress and should provide support and access to mental health resources for those struggling.

Resolving issues of stress in the workplace has immediate benefits for all. People are happier to be at work, more likely to flourish in their working relationsh­ips, more engaged and in general, more likely to perform better. Improved working relationsh­ips can minimise work grievances and increase morale more generally. Moreover, a stress-free environmen­t helps retain employees, saving time and money on recruitmen­t and training. In short, a stress-free workplace is not just a healthier one

– it's a more productive and efficient one where employees can thrive.