Psychology
Psychology is an important part of ergonomics and studies the relationships of people to machines, with the intent of improving such relationships. This may involve redesigning equipment, changing the way people use their equipment, or changing the location in which the work takes place. It is often described as making the relationship more "user-friendly."
One of the main issues that can arise when a work environment is not user friendly is stress. Stress occurs when aspects of the social and physical environment have an adverse effect on the individual. This can cause feelings of anxiety that can cause muscle tension, increased blood pressure, accelerated heart beat, high adrenaline flow and can cause the liver to release more sugar, cholesterol and fatty acids into the blood.
Stress can arise due to many reasons within the workplace. These may include factors intrinsic to the job, your role in the organisation, relationships at work, career development and organisational culture and climate. Stress in the workplace is very often overlooked but when you look at the costs of stress, you will understand why it is important to manage it. Stress exists when there is an imbalance.
Costs of Stress:
• About half a million people in the UK experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill
• 5 million people in the UK feel “very” or “extremely” stressed by their work
• 1 in 5 people take time off work because of stress
• HSE estimate 180 million days of work p.a. lost in the from stress-related illness (50% of total sickness absence)
Work is generally good for people if it is well designed, but it can also be a great source of pressure. There is a difference between pressure and stress. Pressure can be positive and a motivating factor, and is often essential in a job. It can help us achieve our goals and perform better. Stress occurs when this pressure becomes excessive. For some the way to deal with work related stress is to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate people who experience it. For others, it is economically and morally preferable to assess and repair the failed work system or organisation. This action reduces the risk of future failure and the likelihood of future work-related ill-health. This approach focuses attention on the antecedents of work related stress in the design and management of work – but recognises that interventions at the individual level have a part to play.
Recent statistics confirm that work related stress is widespread in the UK working population and is not confined to particular sectors or high risk jobs or industries.
Health & Safety at Work
Modern legislation emphasises:
• A comprehensive and positive strategy to promote health, safety and well-being at work, not just combating illness and injury
• Active involvement and joint responsibility of employer and employee
• Self-regulation through a supportive environment
Advice
Wellworking have partnered with Health Assured to provide a unique and effective intervention service. Their Employee Assistance programme gives immediate access to an Occupational Health Nurse on the very first day of a stress related absence. This ensures a higher degree of pro-activity and engagement with the employee, often facilitating a far earlier return to work, thus reducing absence costs and reducing the liability for the employer.
To find out more how Wellworking and Active Care can help please contact us or visit the Health Assured website for more information.
