About Stress

Stress is a situation where the emotional/mental demands on a person exceeds their ability and resources to cope.

The UK’s government agency the Health and Safety Executive says there is a convincing link between stress and ill health. Its research with Personnel Today Magazine recently showed that over 105 million days are lost to stress each year– costing UK employers £1.24 billion.The research is based on responses from almost 700 senior HR practitioners and almost 2,000 employees.

Other findings are:

• 11% of absence is attributed to stress
• 52% say stress is increasing
• 60% claim stress is damaging staff retention
• 83% think stress is harming productivity

Stress itself is not always bad, many people thrive on it. However, when a situation exceeds a person’s ability to cope, then problems begin. You can tackle stress either by reducing pressures or by increasing coping techniques – or a combination of the two.