With stress in the workplace on the increase, one expert claims that executives need to change their perceptions on how to tackle the problem if they are to improve employee performance and well being long-term.
Scott Watson, Performance Director at Yorkshire based Summit Consulting & Training said, ëSome executives view stress as a headache that just wonít seem to go away. But I think that is a rather short sighted view to take.í
Watson claims that many counselling techniques deal more with the symptoms of stress rather than the root causes. And companies that limit themselves to using these approaches more through habit than because of improved results, stand to lose financially and will find it difficult to retain staff goodwill.
He adds, ëHeavy workloads, tough deadlines and poor management can all contribute to the development of stress, fatigue and many other health conditions. He continues, ëBut whilst companies may make telephone helplines for staff to call, this can often be when the situation is at its worst.í
Figures published by the Health & Safety Executive claim that 6.7 million working days are lost each year due to the effects of stress. The cost to society is estimated to be in the region of 3.8 billion. And Watson believes that specialist personal coaching for managers and front line staff can help companies keep their employees healthy and productive. He concludes. ëSurely it is more productive to deal with issues before they become severe and create the need for long term and expensive counselling and lost productivity.í
And with a client portfolio including some of the UKís leading companies, Summit have already received critical acclaim for their behavioural and skills based development projects. If you would like to find out more about how your company can reduce stress and improve productivity you can visit their web site at
Nearly seven million work days lost due to stress
a different approach