How employers can help stress-sufferers back to work

The HSE has published a new research report on stress prevention and rehabilitation, summing up current best practice and suggesting practical steps employers can take to prevent stress.

The report, Best practice in rehabilitating employees following absence due to work-related stress, suggests employers should make contact workers who are off sick with stress within a week - but only to give support and not discuss treatment.

Researchers suggest referral to occupational health for a health assessment should start after four weeks. The importance of employee involvement in a successful rehabilitation plan is emphasised. Employers should also allow workers return to work on a gradual, phased basis and to adjust their work to ease the transition.

Copies of Best practice in rehabilitating employees following absence due to work-related stress, RR138, is available free on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/index.htm