Work Related Stress
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines stress as "the reaction people may have when presented with demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope." It is not a disease. However if stress is intense and goes on for some time, it can lead to mental and physical ill health (for example, depression, nervous breakdown, heart disease). Workplace stress, if not properly managed, is associated with poor health and well-being, lower productivity and increased sickness absence.
The following pages provides information on how Deakin manages workplace stress and how its supports its staff and managers prevent and manage workplace stress.
What leads to Workplace Stress?
Risk factors for workplace stress.
Guide to Stress for Staff
Ideally tackling work-related stress is a partnership between you, your manager, and the University.
What is work overload and burnout?
Work overload leading to burnout is an OHS risk. A series of short videos from Professor Michael Leiter discusses burnout.
For Managers
Support and advice
- Employee Assistance Program Free confidential staff counselling
- Human Resources Division Contact Health, Wellbeing Safety Team for more information
Checklists
- Stress Self-Assessment Checklist for Staff Members
- Job Stress Risk Identification Checklist
- Individual Stress Risk Factors Checklist
- Self-questionnaire for managers
- Checklist to promote good supportive management
- Senior Management Stress Checklist
- Stress Management Action Checklist for Managers.
Information Sheets
- Management Competency framework with positive and negative behavioural indicators
- Barriers to managers displaying positive behaviours and how they could be overcome
Resources
Superfriend: advocates for, equips and empowers profit-to-member superannuation funds and insurers to achieve mentally healthy workplaces for their staff and members.
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.