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16 March 2005 - HSE and ACAS Training Event
for Reducing Stress and Absence at Work
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A training event, Reducing Stress and Absence at Work,
held by the HSE and ACAS will take place tomorrow, Thursday 17 March, at The
Parsonage Hotel, Escrick, York. This will be the first of two
half-day sessions. The second will take place on 12 May at Cedar
Court Hotel, Wakefield.
The training sessions are aimed at providing employers with
knowledge and practical skills necessary for the prevention and handling of
workplace stress and absence.
Estimations by the HSE show 13.4 million working days were lost
through stress, depression and anxiety in 2001.
The HSE developed Management Standards to help employers
identify and improve stress areas in the workplace such as the following:
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Demands laid on employees.
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Control level employees have over their work.
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Support employees receive from management and colleagues.
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Role clarity of employee within organisation.
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Relationships at work.
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Change and the way in which it is managed.
The HSE, therefore say they are delighted to be working with
ACAS in this and other working together ventures for the continued betterment of
health and safety within the workplace.
HSE Inspector and Speaker at the training event tomorrow
commented:
"Long-term sickness absence costs the national economy over
£3.8 billion a year and accounts for a third of working days lost. Work-related
stress in particular is a serious problem - up to 5 million people in the UK
claim to feel 'very' or 'extremely' stressed by their work. The law requires
organisations to take action - reason enough to act. But there is no doubt a
happy, healthy workforce is also a basis for commercial success."
ACAS Chief Executive added:
"Stress is often a symptom of poor employment relations and
can seriously affect productivity. Organisations who talk regularly with their
employees and have sound systems and procedures in place for managing absence
and sickness are much more likely to avoid work-related stress and to be able to
deal with potentially stressful situations when they arise.
"Our advisory booklet and the free confidential advice
available from the Acas helpline will help employers and employees work together
to minimise problems and improve employment relationships."
Further information can be accessed by clicking the following:
Acas - making work work
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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