Workplace stress can be identified and addressed through a Stress Risk Management Audit, sometimes referred to as a Stress Risk Management Assessment. In a number of Australian States, and in the UK through the Safety Executive (UK), workplace stress risk factors have been identified and considered in a risk assessment process. This powerpoint is intended to fit into recommended practices rather be considered as an alternative. It also aligns with other Organisational Health methodologies, such as the Organisational Health Audit and Complaints Management, by using an underlying Human Activity System model. This allows for the identification stress risk factors to be identified when addressing other workplace issues.

1. Workplace Stress Risk Management Audit
Version 5 August 2011

2. Copyright David Alman 2011
What is Stress?
Workplace stress is a response by an employee when presented with work situations
which challenge their ability to cope.
One way of looking at stress is to view it as a response to an intrapersonal conflict (a
conflict within oneself), felt both psychologically and emotionally, and is brought
about by work related factors.
Note: In psychological terms Stress is described not in intrapersonal conflict terms but as an
“imbalance” between work demands and the capability and/or resources to meet these
demands.
Workplace Stress

3. Stress Symptoms can be picked up through behaviours- examples
Competing: Coercive, bullying, blaming, criticising
Controlling: Insisting on own quick fixes; refusing to listen
Withdrawal: Arriving late; leaving early
Preesenteeism: Indecisive; uncharacteristic errors; frequent time off
Defensive: Loss of temper; loss of sense of humour; crying
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Workplace Stress

4. Copyright David Alman 2011
Intrapersonal conflict can cause either healthy or unhealthy stress responses
though the term “stress” is usually equated not to healthy stress (eustress) but
to unhealthy stress (distress or hypo or hyper stress):
Eustress is where intrapersonal conflict provides a healthy response e.g.
growth & development.
Distress where intrapersonal conflict provides an unhealthy response e.g.
anxiety & depression.
Hypostress & Hyperstress are unhealthy response extremes (too much or
too little intrapersonal conflict).
Workplace Stress

5. Stress Response to Conflict Model
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Eustress
Distress
Healthy
Stress
Response
Unhealthy
Intrapersonal Conflict intensityToo little
e.g. Boredom
Too much
e.g. Work Over load
Hypostress Hyperstress
Workplace Stress
Stress responses can be healthy or unhealthy. In the diagram below it is related to
intrapersonal conflict intensity.

6. Copyright David Alman 2011
There are different psychologically based “models” developed to explain how
work situations cause unhealthy stress responses.
The most common is the “Job Stress” model where stress results from high job
demands and low control. Another is the “Effort – Reward” model where the
effort of job demands and control are linked to the rewards in terms of money,
esteem, and occupational status control.
In psychological terms these models reflect stress resulting from an “imbalance”
between demands and coping, or between gains and costs, respectively.
In conflict terms, they reflect intrapersonal “cognitive” (perceived) conflicts.
Workplace Stress

7. Copyright David Alman 2011
Stress Risk Factors “Stressors” identified by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
Workplace Stress
Stress Risk Factor Examples
1. Work Demands • Time pressures
• High mental task demand
• Monotonous & dull
• Long hours
• Unpredictable shift rosters
2. Low Levels of Control • Low autonomy
• Excessive responsibility, low authority
3. Poor support from supervisors and/or
co-workers
• Lack of constructive feedback
• Ability to talk about problems
• Lack of support
4. Lack of clarity • Role confusion about objectives
• Role confusion over accountability
• Co-worker expectations
5. Poorly managed relationships • Unresolved conflicts
• Intensive conflicts, including strained relationships; harassment; and bullying
6. Low levels of recognition and reward • Reward for effort
7. Poorly managed change • Levels of anxiety and uncertainty
8. Organisational justice • Perceived procedural unfairness
• Perceived relational unfairness e.g. Dignity & respect during a process

8. Copyright David Alman 2011
Unhealthy work environments cause poor performance, disengagement, and stress in employees. A Stress
Risk Management Audit based on, for example, Health & Safety Queensland’s 8 Stress Risk Factors can be
used. These 8 Stress Risk Factors are interrelated which is why a Human Activity System (HAS) Model can
assist in emphasising the need to search for causal relationships.
Purpose
4. Confusion e.g. over the
purpose, objectives,
scope, responsibilities
Practices
1. Workload e.g. from time pressures &
from types of works
2. Level of control e.g. Unnecessary
supervision, too little authority, too little
say in the way work is done
Relationships
3. Support from others e.g., lack of
support or encouragement.
5. Relationships e.g., ongoing strained
relationships, conflicts, harassment,
bullying
Values & beliefs
4. Conflicts e.g. Incompatible
job demands with personal
values.
7. Change Management e.g.
anxiety, uncertainty with
work or employment status.
8. Procedural fairness e.g.
Perceived unfair treatment
due to work procedures used
&
Relational Fairness e.g.
Perceived unfair treatment
due to disrespect in handling
concerns.
Workplace Stress

9. Frequency
Severity Impact
Permanent personal
injury e.g. trauma
High levels of
absenteeism
Disruption to individual
concentration and quality
of work
Very likely – could
happen occasionally 1 2 3
Likely – could happen
occasionally 2 3 4
Unlikely – only rarely
3 4 5
Very unlikely to occur
4 5 6
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1 = Top priority – do something immediately
6 = Low priority – do something where possible
Prioritising hazards using a Stress Risk Rating Matrix.
Different stress risk matrices are available. The example below is from the Premier’s Department New
South Wales “Occupational Stress. Hazard identification and risk management strategy.”
Workplace Stress

10. Stress Risk Assessment- example. Normally the HAS aspects are not shown
Hazard Description
Lack of support for new
employees. High turnover &
error rates (HAS work Practices &
management Beliefs).
Lack of consultation and
communication. Employees
feel ignored (HAS work Practices
& management beliefs).
Workloads too great. Unmet
targets & high error rates
(HAS work Practices & management
beliefs)
Poor working relationships
commonplace. Complaints
and absence rates high
(HAS Relations & management Beliefs)
Stress
Risk Factor
3
6
1
5
Risk
Rating
Stress Risk Management Hazard Controls
(Preventive Measures)
Introduce local – job specific- induction.
Key Result Areas & Standards set up for jobs.
Set up team meetings.
Introduce a performance feedback system
Collaborative review of roles and processes.
Conflict resolution: Use of collaborative problem
solving, mediation, or coaching options.
Supervisors trained in conflict management.
Develop value based performance Management System
Note: Individual cases of reported high stress are covered separately
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2
3
3
2
Workplace Stress

11. For further advice please contact David Alman
Contact details can be found on proventivesolutions.com.au
Copyright David Alman 2011