Taking Action on Workplace Stress

Some stress can be motivational, but constant feelings of pressure, worry, or tension at work can have a profound effect on our physical and mental health, and the performance of organizations.

Mental health problems and illnesses are estimated to account for nearly 30% of short- and long-term disability claims in Canada.

Sairanen, S., Matzanke, D., & Smeall, D. (2011). The business case: Collaborating to help employees maintain their mental well-being. Healthcare Papers, 11, 78–84.

Psychosocial hazards

Workplace factors that have the potential to cause psychological or physical harm if not adequately eliminated or controlled

• Organization of work: production pressures, lack of role clarity, poor change management, insufficient staffing
• Management: poor communication and leadership, work life imbalance, inattention to worker needs and addressing unacceptable behaviour
• Job design: work demands, little to no worker control, lack of resources

Outside factors – financial, family, health, community - can also impact workers

What employers can do

• Prevent stress at the source with job design and work practices
• Create an organizational culture that values worker input (planning, policy making and setting goals)
• Provide leadership training for managers and supervisors and ensure they support the organization’s values
• Balance job demands with workers’ capabilities and resources
• Foster opportunities for skill development, personal growth, and social interaction
• Provide access to personal health resources, such as an Employee Assistance Program and benefits, to help workers manage stress

What workers can do

• Seek help when needed and check to see what personal health resources are available
• Participate in planning with your manager to balance workload and demands
• Find a hobby or activity that helps you relax, then do it regularly
• Share your feelings with someone you trust or in a journal
• Celebrate your successes
• Get to know your stress triggers and what makes you happy. Acknowledge what you can and cannot change about yourself
• Develop healthy habits such as regular exercise and sleep, and a balanced diet

Use a framework such as the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aka "The Standard"

• Outlines a systematic approach to develop and sustain a psychologically healthy and safe workplace
• Focuses on psychological harm prevention and mental health promotion
• Voluntary standard – not legislated nor a regulation
• Intended for organizations and business groups of all sizes

1. Get senior leadership on board, involve key stakeholders, and identify a champion to help advance activities
2. Develop a policy statement and identify gaps around psychological health and safety
3. Analyze results and pick the key issues
4. Implement controls to reduce the risk of psychological harm
5. Evaluate and decide whether to continue the current course of action or explore new initiatives