April marks Stress Awareness Month, a key moment to highlight the critical issue of workplace stress.
- In the past year, 17.1 million workdays were lost due to stress, depression, and anxiety.
- Nearly half of all work-related ill-health cases were attributed to these mental health challenges.
- Employment law and HR specialists stress the importance of managing employee stress efficiently.
- Experts urge a shift in focus towards promoting mental health alongside traditional workplace safety.
April serves as Stress Awareness Month, underscoring the pressing issue of stress in the workplace, which accounted for 17.1 million lost working days in 2022/23. This statistic highlights the significant impact of stress, depression, and anxiety on employee availability and productivity.
According to WorkNest, a prominent employment law and HR consultancy, nearly 50% of work-related ill-health cases are linked to stress-related conditions. Their analysis of over 3,000 monthly sickness absence-related inquiries underscores the prevalence of this issue within the workforce.
There is no specific legislation preventing employers from contacting employees who are on leave due to stress. However, WorkNest advises companies to carefully navigate this sensitive scenario, considering legal acts like the Equality Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act when doing so. Employers are encouraged to update policies, maintain appropriate contact levels, and seek medical documentation when needed.
Lesley Rennie, an Employment Solicitor at WorkNest, offers detailed guidance on supporting employees on stress leave, highlighting the importance of balancing communication and ensuring that sick leave management policies are up-to-date. Employers are advised to conduct return-to-work interviews and consider workplace adjustments to facilitate a smooth integration back to work.
Furthermore, Susan Doran, a Health and Safety Consultant at WorkNest, advocates for an urgent change in mindset regarding workplace health. She argues for a comprehensive approach to mental health, parallel with traditional safety measures. Employers are urged to recognise the business benefits of promoting mental health, including increased productivity and lower absenteeism rates.
To mitigate workplace stress effectively, WorkNest advises implementing comprehensive stress management policies and providing appropriate training to managers. Data collection on stress-related sick-leave is crucial to understanding contributing factors, while tools like the HSE’s Talking Toolkits can aid smaller organisations in addressing stress. Conducting risk assessments upon employees’ reports of stress is vital for swift and effective treatment.
April stands as a reminder to prioritise mental health in the workplace, acknowledging both its profound impact on individual well-being and organisational success.
