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This post is by Anthony Savage of Sparta Health

Health & Wellbeing is now firmly on the agenda of many organisations, however, there are still many organisations that introduce only the “easiest” methods of controlling work-related stress, these being reactive measures, which address issues only after they manifest themselves, for example, following an employee taking a period of sick leave or making a complaint about work-related stress. An example of these methods include the use of employee assistance programmes, to which those suffering from stress can be referred (or self-refer) to help manage the issues on an individual level.

While many companies really do mean well by providing access to such services, clearly, this minimal resource approach, is not going to be very effective. Employee assistance programmes are mitigation measures. They can be very effective in some areas; however, they often do nothing to eliminate the stressor itself.

As such, a “front” end approach of managing work-related stress, is in my opinion, the best way of reducing stressors, and of managing work related stress in the workplace. Treatment may be easier than cure, but is only likely to work in the short term. 

There are a number of potential methods that can help to reduce stressors in the workplace. The following list below are some evidence based methods that can reduce stressors (1), many of these strategies being directed at increasing employee participation and autonomy. This is because evidence suggests that control over work – such as job discretion or autonomy play an important role in moderating the stress response. These being:

  • Redesigning tasks
  • Redesigning the environment
  • Establishing flexible work schedules
  • Encouraging participative management
  • Including employees in career development
  • Analysing work roles and establishing goals
  • Providing social support and feedback
  • Building cohesive teams
  • Establishing fair employment policies
  • Sharing the rewards

How many of these strategies are being used within your organisation?

About Anthony Savage 

Anthony Savage is the Medical Services Manager at Sparta Health, having joined the team in 2017 and is responsible for the overall operational delivery of our high quality services to our clients. He has a solid background in workplace physiology, as well over 12 years of delivering, and holding senior management positions, for leading injury and condition management providers.
 
He is known for his innovative approach in his design and execution of services and his ability to build enduring relationships.
 
References
 
  1. A. J Elkin and P.J Rosch, Promoting Mental Health at the workplace: The prevention side of stress management. Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Review, vol. 5, no.5, 1990, pp. 739-754

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