Karina Murrell: Stress in the workplace

Karina Murrell is a Forensic Examiner for the Metropolitan Police and Assistant Secretary in Prospect’s Met Police branch.

While completing her health and safety diploma, she identified that stress was a major issue for workers in her branch and led on a project to reduce workplace stress.

“Being mentally well means you can better do your physical job”. Karina noted that physical health was covered extensively in their health and safety policy with in-depth audits and electronic safety recording, but the welfare aspect was neglected.

Workers in the emergency services experience high levels of stress, and since Karina began working alongside the wellbeing rep Sharah Wallace-Nicol to address worker mental health, they have noticed huge differences. “The business as a whole has recognised that we need to look at both sides of a person’s health, not just the physical aspects”, and from the top of the organisation there has been welcome improvement in the discussions around mental health.

“We had a large push for mental health a couple of years ago, and introduced Blue Light Champions who are members of staff from all ranks who are first point of contact for those that want help”. This support is targeted for those working in the emergency services and addresses specific challenges staff face in their day-to-day jobs.

Throughout the pandemic, Karina and many of her colleagues have been on the frontline, and she said everyone has reacted differently. “For some it has been a welcome relief to be able to see and talk face to face with colleagues.” But for others, there is concern and anxiety about using public transport and the other risks they are exposed to on an everyday basis.

Although the Met have made huge strides in managing mental health at work, Karina believes we need a wider cultural shift in the way we talk about mental health. “It’s a long work in progress to get workplaces to take to a consistent approach” where people really feel able to talk openly about how they are feeling.

Karina would encourage Prospect members and workplace representatives to address worker wellbeing, by introducing mental health champions so colleagues have a point of contact should they need it. “Even if you start off working on your small department, your work could be used as best practice and implemented across the company.”