A survey has been launched by Prospect within UKPN, in response to the feedback from members which indicates that workplace stress is a significant problem.
Stress related illnesses are now the number one cause of days lost through sickness for employees in the UK. Anxiety and depression as a result of work-related stress account for 10 million days lost per year. Prospect supports the HSE in that there is a clear distinction between pressure, which can create a ‘buzz’ and be a motivator, and stress, which becomes a risk to safety and health when it is protracted.
People experience stress when they perceive an imbalance between the demands made of them and the resources they have available to cope with those demands. Stress, including work related stress can impact people in the following ways:
- Can be a significant cause of illness
- Is known to be linked with high levels of sickness absence
- Creates a high staff turnover
- Forces individuals to make errors
- Risks health and safety of the person and those around them
- Contributes to depression and heart disease
Andy Bye, Prospect Negotiator says “Stress can hit anyone at any level within a business and recent research shows that work related stress is widespread and is not confined to particular sectors, jobs or industries. That is why a population-wide approach is necessary to tackle it. We want UKPN staff, member or not, to complete the survey. This will enable Prospect to have a fuller understanding of the wider issue.”
Prospect is keen to work with UKPN to look at ways in which we can tackle the problems caused by work related stress. We have a variety of resources and tools available at Prospect and Andy believes by sharing them with UKPN will only serve to improve the working environment for all.
The survey is open from 16 November until 7 December and is completely anonymous.
Prospect is offering 3 months free to new members who join during this period. If you wish to join Prospect, you can by clicking here.