A Post Office initiative to stamp out stress

Article Abstract:

The Post Office in the north of England has developed an employee assistance program to help manage employee-related stress because of results of 1984 recommendations which identified the stressful aspects of working for the Post Office. The first aspects of the program were: to hire specialized counselors: to set up the program for employees; to advise about other Post Office functions; and to provide feedback on morale and need for counseling. During the first 22 months of the employee assistance program, counselors received 353 referrals. Key to the success of the program was the emphasis on complete confidentiality. Current results of the program indicate that organizational commitment increased and sickness absence decreased after counseling.

Case studies, Human resource management, Employee assistance programs, United Kingdom. Post Office, Great Britain

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Warning - work can seriously damage your health

Article Abstract:

A UK study indicated high levels of job stress among employees. Over 60% of employees surveyed dealt with job stress and related lifestyle issues by exercising and watching their diets. Many cited the difficulty in maintaining a sensible health program, given the stress of the workplace. Only 22% of employers had taken measure to deal with stress. However, workday cigarette breaks and alcohol consumption had dropped, so some employees are striving to maintain their health. Positive life opportunities also may aid the development of healthy lifestyles.

United Kingdom, Occupational health and safety, Occupational safety and health

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Stress in your own backyard

Article Abstract:

Personnel directors face job stress as senior executives, as supervisors, and as leaders of the personnel function. Interviews with 12 personnel directors and 18 of their subordinates reveal that the directors have a clear theoretical understanding of stress, but tend to lack awareness of their own pressures and show little sensitivity to the stresses faced by subordinates. Causes of stress identified in this study include: role ambiguity, role conflict, work overload, organizational pressures, management of change, and personality.

Psychological aspects, Analysis, Stress (Psychology), Human resource directors

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