Stress Audits

Work-related stress not only damages a business’s performance it also creates a legal duty to be treated like any other health hazard. We believe a Stress Audit or Stress Survey is the starting point  for employers seeking to answer this growing problem.

As with any health problem, real or potential, the most important action an employer can take is to:

	Assess the risk
	Determine what action is needed
	Prepare a suitable strategy
	Establish a reliable baseline for future monitoring of  the situation.

As an integral part of the overall risk assessment process, a Stress Audit gathering the views of a large number of staff through the distribution of questionnaires, will achieve the above aims. Undertaking an audit also helps by demonstrating that the employer recognises that stress is not a personal problem but an issue which managers, staff and the organisation as a whole are committed to addressing. The Health and Safety Executive Guidelines highlight the need for an audit questionnaire to be specifically designed for each organisation when they report that:

“HSE sponsored research is showing that many of the commercially available questionnaires are not particularly reliable or valid tests for work – related stress. In any case, off-the-shelf questionnaires may not address key issues for your unit. It will often be better to obtain competent advice to help you design a questionnaire that is specific to your unit”

Why carry out a Stress audit?   

Undertaking an audit helps by demonstrating that the employer recognises that stress is not a personal problem but an issue which managers, staff and the organisation as a whole are committed to addressing. The main benefits to an organisation from reducing stress at work should be:

	Reduced risk of stress litigation
	Increased performance and output
	Better relationships with clients
	Lower staff turnover
	Reduced sickness absence
	Improved staff morale and commitment.

 

What does an audit measure?                      

An independent, confidential audit should identify:

	Sources of stress and measure them
	Results of stress on performance
	Individual differences in the stress response
	Performance against the HSE Management Standards
	Staff attitudes to options for managing stress
	Predictors of performance and well being

How can we help?

Stress In Perspective can offer comprehensive Stress Audits incorporating the HSE Indicator Tool and tailored to meet the specific needs of your organisation.. Our complete service includes:

 

	Initial free consultation on the type of Audit most suitable for your  organisation
	Establishing and agreeing your specific objectives
	Design and printing of appropriate survey materials, questionnaires etc.
	Confidential analysis and interpretation of data
	Preparation and presentation of audit findings, including recommendations on action and strategies which can form the basis of a formal Stress Management Policy.

 

To contact us for more information about Stress Audits please click on the post box below....