Work related Stress is very costly, and increases the risk of physical illness, work related injuries or psychological problems. Today compensation claims against employers are on the increase.

The European Framework Directive on Health and Safety at work in 1993 specified that employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of workers in every aspect related to the work they do.

HSE in UK estimated that 20% of workers admitted taking time off work as a result of work related stress and 8% was seen by their GP. The CBI estimated that absenteeism due to work related stress cost the industry £11 billion pounds a year.

Work Related Stress is caused by the relationship between a worker and the working environment. Lazarus claimed in 1991 that stress develops when demand exceeds the resources a person can summon.

Stressor and Strain.

Strain describes what happens as a result of being in a stressful environment. It describes the individual’s physical, psychological or behavioural response to a stressor.

Stressors: Cooper and Marshall in 1976 categorised the factors in the workplace that are stressors.

• Intrinsic to the job. Noise or lighting etc.
• Career development.
• Organisational Structure and Atmosphere. Politics, level of communication, management style.
• Role in the Workplace.
• Home and work interaction. Long hours, time pressure and free time.
• Psychological aspect of the job. Workload .

Research shows that Organisational stressors have more impact on work related stress than intrinsic stressors.

As a result of the changing nature of the work place, Sparks et al identified four sources of stress especially in the current economic climate.

1. Job Insecurity.
2. Work hours.
3. Control at Work.
4. Managerial Style.

Cooper in 1999 suggested that the intangible psychological contract between employers and employees are severely undermined by workplace insecurity.

Dr. Phil Hariram.