Stress Awards
STRESS AWARDS
Companies tackling stress at work can now get national recognition for their efforts, thanks to a new set of awards launching this autumn.
The National Stress Management Awards will reward those companies with effective or innovative stress management policies.
They have been launched by The Stress Management Society (www.stress.org.uk), and are open to all companies, both large and small.
Companies can nominate themselves for two categories under the scheme.
Best stress management plan – for the best corporate plan, that offers help to a wide range of staff whether they work in the boardroom or the post room.
Most innovative stress management idea – for the best individual idea to manage stress at work.
Entries need to be in by 1 October for the 2007 awards. The award winners will be announced in November.
Neil Shah, Director of the Stress Management Society, says: "Stress at work is a significant problem. According to the Health and Safety Executive each case of stress-related ill health results in an average of 30.9 working days lost.
Latest figures show that 12.8 million working days are lost to stress, depression and anxiety every year.
"Yet we know from our work across the country that UK companies are fighting back. They are finding innovative ways to fulfil their legal obligations to tackle stress, whether through comprehensive stress management plans or individual schemes to help combat stress."
"We've seen ideas like relaxation areas for quiet time, at-work exercise programmes like yoga or walking clubs, and `desk survival' training. Even indirect activity helps, such as regular internal communication about how to beat stress or reviewing the quality of food and drink served in the canteen."
"We're delighted to launch these awards – the first of their type. They will be a great way of publicly recognising stress-busting companies and helping others follow their example."
An independent panel will judge the entries including experts from
The Stress Management Society. The two wining entrants will win free
training worth £1,000 from The Stress Management Society or its
sister company, Praesto Training & Development Ltd.
For details, see www.stress.org.uk
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diane stafford
