Guidance for Managers

As an employer, we have a legal duty to assess the risk of work-related stress and to put in place measures to control this if the assessment identifies that the risk is significant.

One of the line manager's key responsibilities is to proactively monitor each member of their teams workload and stress levels. We have highlighted a few steps to help you do this:

• Workload Review should be an integral part of your one to one meetings with your team. This guidance may help to structure the discussion.
• Encourage your team to regularly monitor their personal workload and stress levels by making use of the workload and stress management resources and training.
• Familiarise yourself with the 'Supporting the wellbeing of you and your staff'- guidance which contains key information and practical advice for managers. 
• Utilise the HSE Talking toolkit or Mind Wellness Action plan to assist with preventing work related stress
• If you suspect or know that stress is a significant risk, contact healthandsafety@abdn.ac.uk or your HR Partner to conduct a Stress Risk Assessment . This will enable you to identify stressors and put in place appropriate plan to address them. Agree a review period and follow- up meeting. Where stress is not a significant risk it is best practice to record that you have considered it and it may be more appropriate to include it as one of the hazards in a general risk assessment for the team or tasks.
• If an individual is known or suspected to be suffering from stress, whether they are absent as a result or not, it is likely that an individual stress risk assessment will be required.  In these circumstances a referral to Occupational Health for advice is also recommended.

If you have particular concerns relating to stress and require additional support or advice please contact healthandsafety@abdn.ac.uk or your HR Partner.