Manage pressure
February 1st 2007 Lisa Fowlie, president of IOSH, has told employers that they need to manage pressure placed on their staff or face having more employees off on sick leave. She believes that too many employers still do not understand the benefits they can gain from preventing workplace stress, and the price that their staff pay if they fail to do so. She said "Challenge is a key ingredient for any healthy workplace because meeting a challenge helps people feel relaxed and satisfied. Challenge is a good thing, but it does bring with it pressure. When pressure becomes excessive or harmful, it can lead to stress, which is a person's reaction to their circumstances." Lisa comments that employers can reduce pressure at work relatively easily. "Minor adjustments are often enough. Ensuring staff have a sympathetic ear, allowing more flexible working hours and adopting family-friendly policies helps everyone, especially parents and those with care responsibilities." More articles from IOSH: | 
