ESRI report reveals twofold increase in work-related stress

ESRI report reveals twofold increase in work-related stress The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) published a comparative study entitled “Job Stress and Working conditions: Ireland in comparative perspective” last November. The study compared job-related stress levels in Ireland from 2010 to 2015 against corresponding stress levels in the UK and other western European countries. Employer duty to ensure staff health & safety The ESRI findings are particularly relevant to employers who are required under health & safety legislation to ensure the safety, health and welfare of their employees to include their mental wellbeing. Work-related stress doubles Job-related stress levels amongst Irish workers surveyed increased from 8 per cent in 2010 to 17 per cent in 2015. This represents the steepest increase in stress levels when compared to the UK and other western European countries for the same time period.  When analysing job-related stress, workers reported high levels of subjective stress and that they had experienced one of the common stress reactions such as sleep disturbance, fatigue and anxiety. Job demands contributing to stress Characteristics of work such as job demands and job resources were considered in the analysis of work-related stress. Job demands included factors such as the work environment and the elements of the task which could place demands on workers psychological and physical reserves. Job demands also included time pressures, emotional and physical demands and exposure to bullying/harassment. Job resources moderating stress Employees found job resources such as supportive relationships with co-workers, the level of control over their work together and finding a sense of intrinsic reward in their work all had a moderating effect on stress levels at work. Workers in certain industries more susceptible to stress The study also identified particular industry sectors and occupational groupings where workers were more susceptible to work-related stress. Workers in the health sector were found to experience high levels of emotional demands and a higher than average exposure to bullying and harassment. Workers in the manufacturing sector were found to be working longer hours with time pressures contributing to work-related stress. Put clear policies in place The report found that only 40% of Irish employers currently have policies in place to deal with job stress. The long term advantages of tackling work-related stress include benefits such as reduced absenteeism, greater job satisfaction together with reduced employee turnover. The ESRI report advises employers to focus in particular on psychosocial risks such as bullying, harassment and violence. As the Irish economy becomes more service-based, coping with stress policies should also address how to cope with emotionally demanding situations and how to manage time pressures. Need help with a mental health policy? Don’t ask yourself, ask us. Contact our expert employment law advisors 24 hours a day on 0818 923 923.