5 Workplace Stress Risk Assessment Steps that Can Reduce Absenteeism


Employee illness and long-term absence in the UK are often caused by work-related stress. To protect your staff's mental health and comply with your legal obligations, it's crucial to take measures that reduce workplace stress.

One of these measures is conducting a stress risk assessment, which can help you identify and control the causes of stress in the workplace. However, conducting such an assessment can be challenging as the causes of stress are not always apparent.

 

It's worth noting that approximately 914,000 UK workers experienced work-related stress during 2021-2022, resulting in 17 million lost working days. Reducing stress can lead to a more productive workforce, improved morale, and less absenteeism and employee turnover.

What is a Workplace Stress Risk Assessment?

A stress risk assessment is a process that aims to identify and evaluate the level of stress in the workplace. The information gathered from conducting such an assessment is then used to devise measures to eliminate or reduce stress.

 

While a workplace stress risk assessment follows the same general principles and steps as any other risk assessment, it can be more challenging to perform. This is because the causes of stress in the workplace are not always obvious or easy to identify. Those conducting a stress risk assessment should be aware of the unique challenges involved.

Why Stress Risk Assessments Are Important?

The HSE survey results for the 2021-2022 period revealed that work-related stress affected around 914,000 UK workers. The data further showed that 17 million working days were lost due to stress at work, equating to an average of just over 18 working days lost per instance of work-related stress. The HSE also estimated that over half of all work-related illnesses were caused by undue stress in the workplace.

By helping your employees avoid feeling stressed at work, you can create a happier and more productive workforce. Reducing stress at work can improve morale, decrease high rates of absenteeism, and minimize employee turnover.

How to Conduct a Workplace Stress Risk Assessment?




















To conduct a risk assessment, five steps must be taken. These include

  • identifying potential risks in the workplace.
  • determining who may be harmed and in what way,
  • implementing measures to eliminate or control the risks,
  • documenting all findings and measures taken (which is legally required for businesses with more than five employees), and
  • reviewing and updating the risk assessment periodically as needed. 

By utilizing the six Management Standards in conjunction with these steps, assessors can pinpoint sources of workplace stress and take action to mitigate them.


What to Consider During a Workplace Stress Risk Assessment?

When conducting a stress risk assessment, it is important to consider the six factors known as the Management Standards. These factors include:
  • Demands,
  • Control,
  • Support,
  • Relationships,
  • Role, and
  • Change.
Demands refer to unrealistic workloads or not enough work, which can both lead to stress. Control pertains to employees feeling like they have no control over decision-making or their work duties. Support refers to a lack of resources, encouragement, training, or information. Relationships can be strained by issues such as bullying, ostracization, or discrimination. Role involves employees not fully understanding their responsibilities. Finally, Change can lead to stress if employees feel excluded from major changes within the organization.

How to Recognize the Signs of Work-Related Stress?

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), work-related stress is the negative response employees may have to excessive work pressures or demands. Indications of stress in the workplace may include
  • a rise in absenteeism,
  • tardiness,
  • employee turnover,
  • decreased productivity,
  • an increase in work-related grievances,
  • more disagreements among staff,
  • and employees appearing nervous,
  • unmotivated, or withdrawn,
  • or showing heightened emotions.

Using a Workplace Stress Risk Assessment Questionnaire?

Some people may find it beneficial to make use of a workplace stress risk assessment questionnaire when conducting their assessment. This can include questions such as:

  1. Are employees satisfied with their workloads?
  2. Are there sufficient breaks being offered?
  3. Is there enough training provided?
  4. Do staff feel as though they have control over how they perform their duties?
  5. Do employees require more support in their role?
  6. Are staff experiencing any issues with co-workers?
  7. Is it clear what is expected of them?
  8. Does the company provide enough information and support during organizational changes?

Who Can Carry Out Stress Risk Assessments?

As per the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, it is the employer's duty to carry out a risk assessment and ensure that the preventive and protective measures are effectively planned, organized, controlled, monitored, and reviewed.

Although an employer can assign the responsibility of conducting a risk assessment to a competent employee or third party, the employer remains legally accountable for it.

Where to Find Further Risk Assessment Training?

Neglecting to carry out risk assessments that meet the requirements of being 'suitable and sufficient' can lead to violations of health and safety laws. In the event of being found guilty of breaking health and safety regulations, the consequences could involve criminal charges. The penalties may consist of unlimited fines or imprisonment.

By enrolling in the Risk Assessment Training, you and your team can acquire the necessary skills and expertise to effectively carry out stress risk assessments. Through an effective training program, participants will gain comprehensive insights into the hazards linked to work-related stress and learn how to detect and manage these risks.

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