Signs of a stressed workplace
[ch 1: page 17]The UK National Stress Network identifies the following as signs of a stressed workplace:
• use of technology to control, monitor or track workers;
• hot desking;
• the threat of, or actual, violence (verbal and/or physical abuse);
• lack of a clear job description or chain of command;
• job insecurity;
• lack of an understanding leadership;
• cuts in government and local government funding leading to increased workloads;
• long-hours culture;
• no recognition or reward for good job performance;
• no opportunity to voice complaints;
• lack of employee representation and consultation;
• lack of control;
• no opportunity to use personal or company standards;
• unreasonable workload;
• unremitting or prolonged pressures;
• confusion caused by conflicting demands;
• misuse of procedures (discipline/absence);
• feelings of injustice arising from deliberate isolation and ill treatment;
• unrealistic targets; and
• bullying and poor relationships.
Source: UK Work National Stress Network Work Stress booklet