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FIRMS will have to satisfy employees they are tackling workplace stress or face possible legal action under a scheme launched today.
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The crackdown sets standards designed to promote a better worklife balance for stressed staff. If a clear majority of staff think their concerns are not being addressed, the finding could be used in legal actions for compensation.
The scheme was drawn up by the Government-backed Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which claims 13.4m days a year are lost in Britain because of stress. It said most employees would happily conquer stressful situations provided their company consulted them and gave them a bigger say in their work.
The Management Standards for Stress project sets out a checklist of improvements that firms should carry out. To pass the tests, staff must be consulted and agree the standards have been met.
At least 85% of staff must agree that they can cope with the demands placed on them and that they have adequate control over how they tackle their work.
At least 65% must agree they are not bullied or subjected to other unacceptable behaviour. The same number must say they understand their duties properly and are consulted about changes in the workplace. Although the code will be voluntary, it is designed to provide the first official benchmark of stress to be used in legal cases.
Under existing legislation firms can be sued for causing unnecessary stress but there has never been an agreed definition before.
HSE chairman Bill Callaghan said: 'We know there is considerable pressure in the modern workplace but there is a difference between the buzz people get from doing a busy and challenging job and an unreasonable pressure which can harm health, lead to absence, and put additional strain on colleagues trying to cope in an even more pressured environment.'
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