Bullying, Stress and Mental Health What is the cost ? Sources: HSE Website University of New South Wales What is Bullying, Stress and Mental Health There is no legal definition of workplace bullying. However, experts believe that bullying involves negative behaviour being targeted at an individual, or individuals, repeatedly and persistently
over time. Bullying- according to the HSE is defined as the unjust exercise of power by one individual over another using means to humiliate, frighten, denigrate or injure the victim. European nations often refer to this as mobbing Stress- The HSE defines stress as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.
Mental Health- A persons condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. WHAT DOES STRESS AND BULLYING AT WORK COST. Cost to the UK economy in 2010/11 was 3.7 billion pounds. Absenteeism-10.8 million working days were lost in 2010/11 due to stress. The average time off an employee had during this time was 27 days. This figure rose to 12.5 million days in 2016/2017. Presenteeism- This costs UK businesses 15.1 billion a year in reduced productivity. Source: HSE Website/Labour work survey What are the personal costs of bullying and stress.
Poor quality of life. Poor physical and mental health e.g Depression, low resistance to illness, and fatigue. Loss of career and livelihood. Loss of self esteem and self confidence. Separation and divorce. Suicide. Work Under Pressure The road to my recovery How we can deal with bullying Consult Speak
Resolve Seek Consult your organizations code of conduct or bullying and harassment policy. Speak to someone you feel comfortable with about your concerns. i.e. manager, trade union representative, human resources or mental health first aider. Resolve the issue informally. Seek advice from external organisations such as ACAS or Bullying UK.
Stress Feeling anxious, irritable or depressed Apathy, loss of interest in or out of work. r Problems sleeping Fatigue Help for Business Poor concentration Muscle tension or headaches Stomach Problems Social Withdrawal Loss of sex drive
Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope. Regular Exercise very powerful stress reliever Healthy Eating- Eating small regular meals can help you maintain a even level of blood sugar, keeping your energy up, focused and alleviates mood swings. Easy ways to look after of yourself Avoid excessive alcohol and drugs. Meditation- e.g. mindfulness stress reduction Resilience CBT techniques question your pattern of thinking. Talk to a friend or a partner about your worries Look for the funny side of things. Laughter is a very good way of relieving stress.
Work on workplace relationships - dont be a bystander Mental Illness is the largest cause of sickness absence and work incapacity in most developed countries. Some of the costs to having a toxic work culture can have on the business. Manageme nt Suppleme nt Staff Turnover 1. loss of skills 2. loss of productivity and employee resentment due to having to carry the extra workload. Loss Opportunity costs
Absenteeism/Presenteeism Litigation/Settlement costs Positive Organisatio nal Strategies Source: University of New South Wales Designing and managing work to minimize harm- enhance flexibility of working hours, encourage employee participation, ensuring the work environment is safe. Promoting Protective factors at
an organisational level-Build a psychosocial safety climate, implement anti bullying policies, enhance organisational justice, promote team based activities and interventions. Enhancing Personal Resilience and Stress training. Coaching and mentoring programs. Promoting and facilitating early help seeking wellbeing checks, employee assistance programs such as peer to peer Supporting workers recovery
from mental illness - provide supervisor support and training. Provide return to work programs. Provide a supportive environment that supports recovery. Increase awareness and reduce stigma. Provide Mental Health training and awareness for all staff. Promote World Mental Health Day and National Stress Awareness Day. The HSE has designed The Management Standards to help employers manage the causes of work-related stress.
HSE Stress Manageme nt Standards Help for Business It is based on the five steps to risk assessment model. The standards refer to six areas of work that can lead to stress if not managed properly. - Demands, Control, Support, Relationships, Role and Change. The approach is aimed at organisations as opposed to individuals, helping a larger number of employees. Requires securing the commitment of Senior Management Team. Provides tools and resources to effectively manage stress
HSE Stress Managem ent Standards Model Prepare the Organizati on Planning for Success Secure the commitment of senior managers, line
managers and employees Establish a project steering group to oversee the work (may include senior managers, line managers, health and managers, Trade Union Reps, Human Resources, Safety Reps and Workforce Reps etc.) Senior Management commitment Successful programs must have senior management commitment. This may be demonstrated by a Senior manager or director being appointed as the project sponsor. Supporting staff Establish the management arrangements to support staff. This may include line manager participation and support completing any stress surveys etc. Conclusion: Reasons
why stress manageme nt is beneficial to the organisatio n. Statutory/Civil Compliance Corporate Social Responsibility Improved physical and mental health of workforce Cost savings to business - Reduction in absenteeism/ presenteeism and staff turnover
Increased moral/productivity of employees Increased levels of customer service and customer satisfaction ANY QUESTIONS ?
