KEVIN HUME Consultancy

WORKPLACE WELL BEING is now much more than an issue of physical safety. As work pressures increase so too have stress levels risen along with stress-related litigation. More and more employees and their bosses are coming to recognize workplace well being is the workplace issue of the times. And it goes well beyond stress. But what, first off, is 'stress'?

The United States National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety defined stress in 1999 as: 'Job stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury.' Another definition quoted by the International Labor Organisation is: 'The emotional, cognitive, behavioral and physiological reaction to aversive and noxious aspects of work, work environments and work organizations. It is a state characterized by high levels of arousal and distress and often by feelings of not coping.'

What is stressful for one case worker may not be stressful to another dealing with broadly similar or quite different work. Individuals vary widely in what they regard as stressful. The American Institute of Stress believes the cross-over from enjoyable work challenge to intolerable stress is what is called the FUD Factor: Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. Workplaces are increasingly subject these days to change and work pressures are undoubtedly increasing. We are in a new Age of Anxiety where the FUD Factor is undoubtedly on the rise across most industries and fields of life.

'I learned to calm the on-going chatter in my head (which can be very annoying) and be able to look at situations unemotionally and without stress. Recommended for any busy people - and especially people who deal with people.' Hannele Madissoo, Customer Service Officer, Willoughby City Council, Sydney.