Stress is a collective problem

A key union message is that stress is an organisational, not an individual, problem. For example, UNISON “supports a collective approach to tackling work-related stress, by identifying the potential causes with the employer, and then taking proactive and practical steps to reduce the risk of harm.”

The Unite general union has made clear: “This is a collective issue for our members, and by working alongside our reps, we will ensure real change is achieved.”

However, UNISON also says surveys have shown that employers are not utilising HSE standards (see Chapter 4) or tackling the causes of stress through collective risk assessments.

“Often, we find employers choose a reactive and individual-based response to the issue,” it reports. “Insufficient and reactive responses such as sending workers to undergo training to help them learn to cope and manage ‘their’ stress falls far short of the mark.” Unions reject this “resilience” approach to work-related stress.