STRESS IN YOUR BUSINESS

Stress can often have a disturbingly corrosive effect on a company's efficiency and productivity. For example, a recent study in Ireland revealed a 50 percent increase in the number of disability claims over the last four years due to stress-related illnesses.

According to International studies, the cost of occupational stress in Ireland could be as high as 10 percent of the Gross National Product. Yet, despite this, stress has a very low priority amongst managers, perhaps because of its intangible and indefinable nature.

The Labour Court issued a Recommendation (LCR15820) after trying a case of work-related stress in which the worker received financial compensation. This recommendation stipulates that work-related stress is recognised as a question of health and safety and that employers are obliged to deal with it and to take suitable measures. If measures are not taken, the employer will be considered responsible. Informal measures will not be accepted. Any psychological damage arising from the employer's failure to comply with this Recommendation may result in the obligation to pay substantial compensation.

To date, individual claims are reaching in excess of €80,000.