The rise in 'stress'
Over the past five years many organisations report that there has been a
significant increase in sickness absence attributed to mental health problems
related to perceptions of stress, anxiety and depression.
Along with musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, mental health problems
have become the most common reasons for absence from work in many
organisations.
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data shows that historically the main
reason for receipt of incapacity benefit has been musculoskeletal
disorders. However in recent years, mental health conditions have
overtaken this.
A different approach
EEF's Work Organisation approach looks at five main categories;
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relationships with management
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relationships with colleagues
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employees' sense of being valued
-
the physical environment within which employees work
-
workload issues
Our analysis provides employers with evidence of both positive and negative
responses to these, encouraging a balanced view of workplace organisation.
Where problems exist, we suggest interventions that may
help, alongside links to relevant training opportunities that can
provide the skills your team need to tackle the issues.
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