3. Making the business case for taking action

[ch 3: page 19]

In Tackling work-related stress using the Management Standards approach — A step-by-step workbook, the Health and Safety Executive sets out that work-related stress can have an adverse impact on organisations in terms of:

• employee commitment to work;

• staff performance and productivity;

• attendance levels;

• staff recruitment and retention;

• accident rates;

• customer satisfaction;

• organisational image and reputation; and

• potential litigation.

It points out that losing one colleague for an extended period with a stress-related illness can have a dramatic impact on the workload and morale of the rest of the team.

The Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) argues that while employers must follow the law, this only sets a minimum standard and that employers “who go above and beyond will see improvements in organisational culture, employee engagement, reduced absence and presenteeism and a reduction in staff turnover”.