THE EFFECTS OF WORKPLACE STRESS .........

ISSUE 5

VOLUME 2

2007

DUTY TO ACCOMODATE: THE LAW AND STRESS .............2

DEALING EFFECTIVELY WITH STRESS ...........................2

WORKING WITH BUSINESS TO CREATE INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS

ACCESSIBLE NEWS
The first step is to identify what can cause significant stress on employees. Job Stressors: Factors unique to the job Workload Isolation at the workplace Physical environment Role in the organization Conflicting job demands Multiple managers / supervisors Level of responsibility Lack of clarity about responsibility / expectations Career development Under / over promotion Job insecurity Relationships at work (interpersonal) Difficulty with boss / coworkers Threats / harassment / violence Organizational structure Participation in decision-making Management style The next step is to implement the changes necessary to deal with and correct job stressors. By working with employees, the employer can find a compromise that gets the work done in an efficient and effective manner, with the interests and well-being of the staff in mind.

Stress is increasingly becoming the number one issue for employees, employers and the community in general.

THE EFFECTS OF WORKPLACE STRESS

Weve all heard lately the importance of reducing stress in our lives. We have all experienced stress, seen the effects of stress, but do we truly appreciate its impact on our work as well as ourselves? Study after study is now emphasizing the importance of employers addressing stress in the workplace, due largely to the financial impact that lost workdays due to stress related illness has on business. Stress related illness is the second leading cause of time off at work, coming in behind muscoskeletal problems. It is estimated that 40% of worker turnover is due to stress and Statistics Canada estimates that lost work time to stress each year totals $12 million. There are a variety of reasons that cause stress on the job, and being able to identify which area(s) is / are causing the stress is important so that you will know how to deal with it and correct any problems. Employers who take a pro-active approach will create an environment beneficial for the employee and the employer.

For more information about Workplace Stress call 577-6166 ext. 25 or email accessibility@ilrctbay.com

DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE: THE LAW AND STRESS!

The Duty To Accommodate is not a lowering of standards its the law!
No longer can employers expect that employees tolerate stressful working conditions and situations. Rather the employer must take a pro-active approach to changing the working environment to meet the needs and well-being of employees. Employers must do what is reasonable to ensure that employees are supported in their work to ensure that the stressors do not provide undue harship to them. This includes changing work environments, schedules, providing additional training and reasonable work hours. Failure to change has resulted in the courts awarding employees signifcant cash settlements.

There have been some significant changes in law and the expectation of employers. The courts have increased their role in determining how an employment situation should be handled. More than just interpreting Human Rights Legislation and Employment Standards, the courts are now setting the standards and expectations that employers are to follow. This has been done with case law, and the expectation is clearemployers are responsible to ensure that workplace stress is addressed!

130 South Brodie Street Suite 102 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 1B9 Tel./TTY: 807.577.6166 Facsimile: 807.577.6119 Toll Free: 800.461.3153 Website: www.ilrctbay.com Email: accessibility@ilrctbay.com

DEALING EFFECTIVELY WITH STRESS

There is a personal and individual responsibility for us to reduce the stress in our lives. We must take care of ourselves, including lowering our stress, to ensure that we can be there for the people that need us. Here are a few tips to reduce stress. Please share them with your employees, family and friends to help them reduce their stress. Sense of belonging this can be through volunteer work or a church group, whatever makes you feel like you are part of the big picture Regular moderate exercise 30 minutes of walking every day is the best! Healthy diet limiting caffeine, sugars and fats reduce strain on the body and thereby reduce stress levels. As well, maintaining proper hydration helps the body cope. Deep breaths when you find yourself under stress, a few deep and long breaths help to reduce stress to a manageable level.

Key Elements To Stress Reduction:

Leisure time find something you enjoy doing (preferably with others) and participate regularly. Positive family relationships your family can be a great support to you in times of crisis Social networks having friends you can turn to, and whom can turn to you, is important

By taking the time to take care of ourselves, we make our lives easier in the long run.

THE INDEPENDENT LIVING RESOURCE CENTRE IS A UNITED WAY FUNDED AGENCY