Stress at Work
Management and Prevention
By: Jeremy W. Stranks
Work-related stress and resulting sickness absence costs the UK economy about £3.7 billion every year (HSE research). In this jargon-free guide, Jeremy Stranks explains what stress is and what causes it, how people respond to stress and cope with it, how stress can be evaluated and managed and what employers' legal responsibilities are. Written for managers, HR professionals and safety reps, the emphasis of this book is strongly on practical advice and solutions. The author provides simple tools to measure and assess stress and shows how to deal with a range of stress-creating workplace situations, such as bullying, harassment and violence at work. The book also details how to implement a stress management system that complies with the new HSE Management Standards to avoid civil claims and criminal sanctions by the enforcement agencies. End of chapter key points draw out the implications of the preceding text for the employer and an executive summary shows the main aspects that senior management have to be aware of. In addition, the book contains forms and templates to help with managing stress. These are also available for download on the companion website. Stress at Work will also be a valuable reference for students on the following courses as part of modules concerned with Human Factors: NEBOSH Certificate and Diploma courses, MSc courses in Occupational Health and Safety Management, IOSH Managing Safely, British Safety Council diploma and NVQ level 3 and 4 courses in Occupational Safety and Health. Jeremy Stranks has 40 years of experience in occupational safety and health enforcement, management, consultancy and training. He is a founding member of NEBOSH and has lectured on numerous training courses on all aspects of health and safety. His company Safety and Hygiene Consultants offers companies advice in drawing up Health and Safety policies, writing risk assessments and audit procedures. * Jargon-free introduction to work-related stress issues, ideal for managers, HR professionals and safety reps * Gives practical advice on how to implement a stress management system * Helps employers avoid expensive court cases brought by employees or enforcement officers
AI Overview
"Stress at Work" by Jeremy W. Stranks is a comprehensive guide aimed at managers, HR professionals, and safety representatives to understand, manage, and mitigate work-related stress. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Understanding Stress:
- The book explains what stress is, its causes, and how people respond to it.
- It covers the physiological and psychological effects of stress, providing a foundational understanding for effective management.
Causes of Stress:
- The book identifies common workplace stressors such as bullying, harassment, and violence.
- It also discusses the impact of organizational factors, workload, and work environment on employee stress.
Coping Mechanisms:
- The guide offers practical advice on how individuals can cope with stress, including strategies for managing workload, improving work-life balance, and seeking support.
- It emphasizes the importance of employee well-being and provides tools for assessing and managing stress.
Evaluation and Management:
- The book provides simple tools to measure and assess stress levels in the workplace.
- It details how to implement a stress management system that complies with the new HSE Management Standards to avoid legal issues.
Legal Responsibilities:
- The author discusses employers’ legal responsibilities regarding work-related stress, including the need to prevent sickness absence and avoid civil claims and criminal sanctions.
Practical Solutions:
- The emphasis is on providing practical advice and solutions, including forms and templates to help manage stress.
- These resources are available for download on the companion website, making the book a valuable reference for both immediate use and long-term planning.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's reputation is established through its relevance and practicality. Jeremy Stranks has extensive experience in occupational safety and health, which lends credibility to his work. The book is recommended for various courses related to occupational health and safety, indicating its value in both academic and professional settings.
Additional Information
Jeremy Stranks has 40 years of experience in occupational safety and health enforcement, management, consultancy, and training. He is a founding member of NEBOSH and has lectured on numerous training courses on all aspects of health and safety. His company, Safety and Hygiene Consultants, offers advice on drawing up Health and Safety policies, writing risk assessments, and audit procedures.
Overall, "Stress at Work" by Jeremy W. Stranks is a jargon-free guide that offers practical solutions for managing work-related stress, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the field of occupational health and safety.