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Workplace Stress

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has reported that the cost of work-related mental illness such as stress is a staggering £28bn, a quarter of the UK’s total sick bill (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8343074.stm). Such figures are particularly concerning in the current economic climate when the need for organisations to minimise costs is at its greatest. It’s not just staff who call in sick that cost businesses money but also the people who come to work and perform poorly due to their illness.

In an effort to cut costs, many organisations are reducing their headcount. This often results in remaining staff having to take on additional responsibilities and managers being put under increasing pressure to achieve targets with fewer resources. It is under these circumstances that staff and managers are at greater risk of suffering from stress and hence are likely to cost the organisation even more money through absenteeism and poor performance.

Some organisations feel that delaying their staff survey in the current economic crisis is another way to save money. Yet it is during these times that a survey is needed more than ever.

Engagement surveys can help organisations to assess how staff feel about aspects of their job and the organisation that are known to impact on their attitudes, engagement levels and psychological well-being. They can inform organisations where change and interventions are needed before staff become the victims of stress – a small investment for a big saving.

23/11/2009 – posted by Dr Jo Beale