This interesting article discusses how to consider and define employment stress, what factors contribute to it and maintain it and what services, both preventative and rehabilitative are necessary to maintain a healthy workforce.

The authors describe what factors contribute to employment stress, what work stress is and the difference between ‘everyday stress/pressure’ and chronic stress. The role of employment litigation is debated and how lawyers and experts can both learn how absence management can be dealt with in a healthy organisation. They suggest that one way forward is to increase access to employees and organisations to high quality advice and support is to provide a ‘one-stop’ shop whereby lawyers, experts. HR specialists and Occupational Health can collaborate and provide rapid and practical help and clear guidance on assistance and interventions available to Improve workplace health, and the management of risk. A more co-ordinated approach to the consideration of health and return to work will reduce absenteeism and improve individual and organisation effectiveness.

References

Koch HCH, Beesley F & Byram V (2013. Employment stress: Legal and Personal Injury Issues. Expert Witness Journal. Jan/Feb.