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24 May 2005 - Mental Health Charity Report
on Stress in the Workplace
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The mental health charity MIND has produced a report entitled "Stress
and Mental Health in the Workplace" which calls upon employers to reduce the
rising levels of stress in the workplace by acting now.
The report found that less than 1 in every 10 companies make
provision for official policies on mental health and lists some sources of
stress which include the following:
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Working in poor conditions.
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Long hours of work.
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Working relationships.
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Lack of job security.
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Organisational structure and climate.
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Job requirements not meeting capabilities of individuals.
The MIND report also remind employers of the 12.8 million lost
working days each year which are directly attributed to work-related stress.
58% of workers complain of stress, which raises the figure of conditions where
work stress is likely to play a part to 45 Million lost working days each year.
The MIND report recommends that employers should, in addition to
the introduction of official mental health in the workplace policies implement
the following:
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Include flexi-time in workplaces.
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Make provision for working from home.
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Provide stress coaching.
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On-the-job support for workers.
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Hold jobs open during sick leave.
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Provide quiet rooms.
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Provide exercise.
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Training programmes.
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Social activities.
Chief Executive of MIND, Mr. Richard Brook commented:
"Clearly employers cannot afford to ignore the issues arising
from the ever-increasing levels of occupational stress, and the ‘long-hour
culture’ of working Britain today. We urge for more understanding and openness
of stress and mental health problems in the workplace - today’s competitive and
pressured work environments can make it very difficult for people to disclose
mental health or work stress problems without the fear of affecting their career
prospects.
"For us all, there is a responsibility to tackle the
widespread stigma concerning mental health, led by the Government. With mental
health problems now accounting for the highest number of Incapacity Benefit
claims, we also look to the Government to develop an effective system to support
those with mental health problems returning to work - the current Pathways to
Work pilots raises grave concerns in this area.”
The full report can be accessed from the MIND website by
clicking the following:
Stress and mental health in the workplace
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