HSE Launch Online Tool to Address Work Stress

A NEW ONLINE stress tool designed to learn about work related stress has been launched.

Businesses can sign-up to the free-to-use interactive tool, designed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to understand what they need to do to comply with the law.

Online Stress Tool

The stress tool provides guidance for employers on meeting their legal duties and how to include stress in their workplace risk assessments.

The tool is made up of six short modules including how to recognise the signs of stress in individuals and teams.

Liz Goodwill at HSE, said: “More than half of small and medium sized (SME) businesses recently visited by HSE knew they had a legal duty to assess the risk of work-related stress, but the number who actually did this was significantly lower. This new online tool will help employers understand the steps and actions necessary to help bridge this gap. It is a much needed solution.

“Lack of time, money and know-how are common reasons why businesses can struggle to prevent and proactively tackle the issue.”

Law on Stress Risk Assessment

The law requires all employers to carry out a stress risk assessment and act upon the findings to prevent work related stress and support good mental health in the workplace.

Since 2019, the total annual cost of poor mental health has increased by 25%, costing UK employers up to £56 billion a year. Over half of working days are lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety. Stress, depression and anxiety are the number one reasons for work-related illness in the UK and figures continue to rise.

Liz Goodwill, added: “The Mental health and employers report from Deloitte suggests employers see a return of £5.30 on average for every £1 invested in staff wellbeing. By providing this free learning, our aim is to help lower the investment cost and assist employers to reap the potential benefits including increased productivity, lower absenteeism and reduced staff turnover.”

There are five steps suggested to talking about stress in the workplace, based on risk assessment. They are to Reach out and have conversations, Recognise the signs and causes of stress, Respond to any risks you’ve identified, Reflect on actions you’ve agreed and taken, and make it Routine. It needs to become the norm to talk about stress and how people are feeling and coping at work.

>>Read more about mental health initiatives in the news