Workplace stress needs to be better managed
A new report from MetLife UK, a global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programmes, has suggested that there is more to be done by employers to increase workplace resilience when it comes to mental health.
Mental Health and Stress: Building Employee Resilience in the Fourth Industrial Revolution found that more than one-third (34 per cent) of employees believe that workplace stress is being caused by the way that their company operates.
The report also highlighted a disconnect between employees and employers regarding whether the demands of the job were made clear at the recruitment stage: only 37 per cent of employees said they believe their employer was honest about the demands on staff, while more than half (56 per cent) of HR leaders said that they believe the stress risks are made clear.
In more positive findings, the report showed that there has been progress in addressing the issue of workplace stress, with 64 per cent of employers saying that their organisation now offers support, compared with 51 per cent when MetLife first researched the issue in 2014.
Adrian Matthews, Employee Benefits Director at MetLife UK, highlighted that there is work to be done: “What employees feel is real, and despite views from management that they are taking action, it is clear that more needs to be done. This shouldn’t deter employers. Whilst some programmes come with a cost, many initiatives can be created and implemented that do not.”
The report highlights strategies for improving the situation, including focusing on the role of line manager and recognising the pressures they are under by supporting them with training and employee assistance programmes. It also underlines the importance of communication.