Stress - Support

Stress - Support

 

There are 6 key areas of work design that, if not managed well, are associated with poor health and well-being, lower productivity and increased sickness absence.

Support includes encouragement, sponsorship and resources provided by the organisation, line management and colleagues. Support is considered to be one of the six risk factors that can contribute to work-related stress. These 6 key areas are addressed as part of the HSE Management Standards. The Management Standards have been developed as a best practice approach for employers and to help reduce the levels of work-related stress at an organisational level.

Employees that are supported will receive adequate information and support from their colleagues and supervisors. At an organisational level systems will be in place locally to respond to any individual concerns. 

Other people can be important sources of support, but they can also be sources of stress.  Studies have found that low social support at work is associated with poor mental health, poor health and increased sickness absence.

What an organisation should aim for:

That employees indicate that they receive adequate information and support from their colleagues and supervisors and that systems are in place locally to respond to any individual concerns.

The Workplace Health Leadership Group Northern Ireland Partners are:
  • Northern Ireland Safety Group
  • Build Health
  • BOHS
  • HSE NI
  • EHNI
  • HSC Public Health Agency
  • Congress
  • IOSH NI Branch