Work-related Stress

Queen Mary University of London has a duty to protect its employees from stress at work.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines stress as 'the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.' It is therefore important to note there is a difference between pressure and stress. Pressure can be a good motivator and challenge for individuals, however, when an individual perceives the pressure has become too great or is relentless, they may feel that they are unable to cope. This can then lead to stress, which in itself is not an illness but can make an individual ill. It can cause symptoms that affect how people feel physically and mentally.

Where employees indicate they are struggling to cope with their work or display symptoms that may suggest they are suffering from work-related stress, their line manager should seek to support them accordingly. This could include working with them to identify the source of stress, supporting them by making a referral to Occupational Health to obtain their specialist advice or seeking support from their HR partner. Details of where further information can be found are outlined below.

Queen Mary Organisational Work-related Stress Risk Assessment This document outlines the systems that are in place across Queen Mary to support its employees and reduce the likelihood of them experiencing work-related stress.

General resources for all employees

• Wellbeing Policies and Guidelines - includes information to help promote and enhance your wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Programme – This is a free, confidential service that provides a wide range of support for staff around help balancing work, family and personal life. Available anytime, any day, by phone, email or online, the service provides information, resources, referrals and counselling on any issue that matters to you, such as work-life balance, relationships, debt, childcare, anxiety and depression, bereavement and loss. 

Where possible, Employees should raise any concerns with their line manager / supervisor. Advice can also be obtained through HR and/or the Health and Safety Directorate. Employees are also able to make a self-referral to Occupational Health or seek advice from their GP.

Resources for Managers

• Queen Mary Managers’ Hub
• Managing Stress
• Work-related Stress Guidance for Managers The Work-related Stress Guidance for Managers document has been created to provide user-friendly guidance for managers and supervisors to follow so they can support their team members. It outlines actions that can be taken based on the issues identified and provides links to relevant Queen Mary information and resources where available.
• Where staff raise concerns, managers can obtain support from HR, and referrals may need to be made to Occupational Health for expert advice. Managers can refer to the Guidance for undertaking a Work-related Stress Risk Assessment for an individual employee where this required.