Workplace stress busting research launch in London

Workplace well-being messages need to be simplified and better disseminated, highlighting the importance of managersí people management skills in order to reduce employees stress.

These findings are contained in a position paper being launched today, Wednesday 14 October 2009, at the British Psychological Societyís London office*. Press are invited to attend free of charge.

The paper was sponsored by the Division of Occupational Psychology (DOP), part of the British Psychological Society. The research was carried out by Emma Donaldson-Feilder and Rachel Lewis from Affinity Health at Work.

By interviewing representatives from 15 organisations** the paper explored the national policy implications of recent research that identified the management competencies required by line managers to prevent and reduce stress in the work place.

The findings were:
ï Simplify and streamline health and well-being messages for employers and managers.
ï Build a business case for health and well-being and the managerís role in improving staff
well-being
ï Focus on dissemination of research, policy and initiatives at the employer and manager level

Emma Donaldson-Feilder said; ëThe DOP has a key role in disseminating information and best practice in this field. Stress related problems cost the economy millions of pounds and occupational psychologists, through our work with organisations, are particularly well positioned to help stakeholder and employer organisations deliver these recommendations at a national and local level for the mutual benefit of employers and employees.í

If you would like to attend please contact helen.barnett@bps.org.uk

*The Societyís London office is located at 30 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4UE.

** Health and Safety Executive, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Investors in People, Acas, Business in the Community, Confederation of British Industry, Trades Union Congress, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Ministry of Defence, National Health Service, Department of Health, Government Health, Work and Wellbeing team, Public and Commercial Services Union, UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.