4. Using the HSE Management Standards

The centrepiece of the HSE’s efforts to tackle stress is its Management Standards, which have been endorsed by the TUC and unions.

Before using the HSE Management Standards

Before using the standards, the HSE recommends the following steps:

• secure senior management commitment;

• secure commitment from employees and their representatives;

• set up a steering group;

• develop a project plan;

• secure adequate resources — particularly staff time;

• develop a communications or employee engagement strategy;

• if appropriate, develop an organisational stress policy; and

• record what you have done.

Securing management commitment

The HSE gives three good reasons why employers should commit to tackling stress:

• the legal case: the law requires employers to tackle stress (see Chapter 3);

• the business case: tackling stress brings business benefits (see Chapter 1); and

• the moral and ethical case: tackling stress prevents ill health (see Chapter 1).