Browsing: Stress | Page 54

Employers can reduce workplace stress levels by giving employees the same flexibility as managers to "adjust their work" when they feel "out of sorts", according to Swedish researchers.

Psychosocial work risks changing over time, say European researchers; and WorkCover SA's unfunded liability falls - slightly.

The provision of simple information booklets can help mitigate the health risks associated with FIFO work, such as sleep and weight problems, Australian researchers say.

S-xual harassment and bullying were "mere" rather than "material" contributing factors to a worker's psychological condition, the AAT has found in rejecting her workers' comp claim.

Employees exposed to the trauma of others in the course of their work face their own risk of injury, so employers should take steps to educate them on the signs of "vicarious trauma", says employment lawyer Josh Bornstein.

Many employers will never have to deal with one of their workers committing suicide, but they should be prepared to take immediate action just in case, the Comcare National Conference has heard.

Managers can "dramatically" reduce workplace stress claims by improving performance management and removing "comfort zone itis" from workplaces, says Complex Consultancy Services CEO Graeme Alford.

An employer acted reasonably in giving a worker two days' notice to attend a counselling session following a bullying complaint, the AAT has found in rejecting the worker's psychological injury claim.

The ACTU has warned that workplace stress can "destroy" an employee's ability to work, in welcoming the Federal Government's plan to expand and develop new workplace mental health and suicide-prevention initiatives.

High levels of job stress are associated with high-risk behaviour and poor organisational performance, a professor of organisational behaviour has told ANZSOM's Annual Scientific Meeting. He says employers should consult with workers to determine which stress-interventions to introduce.