Managers 'must address workplace stress'

Date: 03/11/2009

Workplace stress is the second-biggest cause of absence in the office, which is why businesses must consider the importance of team building conferences as well as incentives and recognition to address this issue, according to a national newspaper.

The Guardian outlined recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures, which placed stress behind only musculoskeletal issues as a leading cause of absence, adding that 442,000 people cited the former problem as their reason for taking time off.

Dr Jenny Leeser, who works as the clinical director of occupational health with Bupa, asserted that employers have a "legal duty" to stop instances of work-related stress, adding that a team building conference may be the best place to talk about these issues.

She told the newspaper: "Discuss how any work-related issues - whether it's too much work, not enough work or problem relationships - can be improved.

"It's about good communication. You can also get help from various external organisations such as charities, trade unions and your GP."

Tomorrow is National Stress Awareness Day 2009, which is supported by the HSE with this year's International Stress Management Association campaign focused on "stressing the positives".

Written by Elizabeth Mewes

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