National Stress Awareness Day: Your Workplace Rights

Today is National Stress Awareness Day. As Solicitors, we are known for working in a pressurised and demanding environment, adhering to strict deadlines with long hours, which can be stressful.

Research by Realm Recruitment suggests that nearly two-thirds of legal professionals have experienced burnout because of their work. However, that number increases in the workplace as a whole, with a survey by Perkbox suggesting that 79% of adults in employment commonly experience work-related stress.

In this article we look at the impact of workplace stress and employers’ duties to alleviate stress.

The Impact of Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is silent yet challenging. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines work-related stress as: ‘The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work’. Too much pressure at work can present itself in various ways, including physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms. Some of the common signs of workplace stress include:

Physical Symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, muscle tension, and even chronic health conditions can result from workplace stress.

Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, irritability, and a sense of being overwhelmed are prevalent emotional responses to stress.

Behavioural Symptoms: Employees experiencing stress may exhibit increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

What should an employer do?

Employers have a duty to ensure that their staff are protected from workplace stress under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Employers must identify risks to employees and take steps to prevent work-related stress.

By law, employers must carry out a risk assessment which should:

• Identify risks to work-related stress.
• Evaluate the risks.
• Mitigate or control the risks.
• If possible, remove the risks.
• If more than 5 employees – Keep a written record of findings.
• Review the assessment annually.

Individual risk assessments should also be carried out where it is noted that a member of staff is experiencing work-related stress.

Preventing Work-related Stress

Stress Awareness Day is a timely opportunity to reflect on mental well-being and explore strategies to manage stress.

To effectively manage and reduce workplace stress, employers and employees could take the following steps:

1. Create a Supportive Work Environment: Encourage open communication, provide resources for stress management, and promote a culture of well-being.
2. Stress Management Programs: Offer stress management workshops, counselling services, and mindfulness training to help employees cope with stress.
3. Work-Life Balance: Promote flexible working arrangements and encourage employees to take breaks and annual leave.
4. Task Delegation: Distribute workloads evenly and ensure employees have the resources and support needed to accomplish their tasks.
5. Recognise Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate employees’ accomplishments and contributions, reinforcing a positive workplace atmosphere.

If an employee develops a long-term mental health condition because of prolonged work-related stress, it could be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010. To bring a successful claim, it would also be necessary to show that the employer did not address stress in the workplace and that it was foreseeable that the mental illness would occur.

If the employee left employment as a result of work-related stress, they might have a claim for constructive unfair dismissal.

Our specialist employment solicitors are here to assist both employers and employees to address claims and we use our knowledge and experience to guide them through the legal process however simple or complex their case may be.

Stress Awareness Day

Workplace stress is a real and pervasive issue that affects employees’ well-being and organisational productivity. Stress Awareness Day serves as a reminder that acknowledging and addressing workplace stress is crucial for fostering a healthier and more productive work environment. By promoting open conversations, offering support, and creating a culture of well-being, we can take significant steps toward reducing workplace stress and helping individuals thrive in their professional lives. Ultimately, a less stressful workplace benefits everyone involved, from employees to employers and beyond.

How can Thomson & Bancks help?

As experts in employment law, we are here to help with advice to both employers and employees in plain English on their rights, options and obligations relating to work-related stress and all other employment issues.

If you require any further information, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 01386 562000 or by filling in our online enquiry form.