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Stress costs the NHS millions in absenteeism NHS Employers is targeting all NHS staff to cut stress in the NHS. The aim is to evoke personal connection with the issues and ensure staff are more able to identify the early signs of stress and know what to do about it. The materials are designed to promote an open cultural attitude towards workplace stress and a cornerstone will be to provide HR directors and senior managers with tools, techniques and practical support. These tools will be designed to help managers conduct risk assessments and facilitate effective changes through policies, procedures, best practice and shared learning. According to NHS Employers Acting Joint Director Alistair Henderson, reducing stress in the workplace will have a direct and major impact on key areas like financial savings, litigation, productivity, staff retention, absenteeism, health, morale and the provision of healthcare. Julian Topping, head of workplace health, at NHS Employers, said: "This is in everyone's interest, whether chief executive, HR manager or employee. Reducing stress within the NHS will have direct and tangible benefits to the smooth running of the organisation and the delivery of healthcare." NHS Employers' healthy workplace team has been working alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Arbitration and Conciliation Advisory Service (ACAS) to see how the HSE's stress management standards can best be implemented throughout the NHS. Stress is believed to account for over 30 per cent of sickness absence in the NHS, costing the service £300-400 million per year. The Healthcare Commission's 2007 staff survey found that 33 per cent of staff questioned said they had felt unwell because of work-related stress over the past 12 months. Stress presents a major challenge for all businesses. NHS Employers is supporting NHS organisations tackling stress by:
Pages in this sectionStress Management Recognising stress Benefits of Tackling Stress Resources What employers should do Management practices Action Plan The Courts and stress Staff: are you stressed? Campaign materials Last reviewed 18 Jul 2008 |
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