The 5 minute stress check for small organisations

Less stress - more success!

Take 5 minutes out

• Hit the 'START THE TEST' button
• Read through each issue (there are 10) relating to workplace stress
• consider the question under each point and decide which number between 1-4 best reflects your view of the statement in the box
• your results will be plotted onto your stress / risk map, and emailed to you
• the map will indicate any areas requiring attention

Introduction

what this test is about
A starting point to managing stress is to be aware of what stress is, why it matters, and its causes and symptoms. The next stage is to know how to manage it and where to find resources to help.

the pressure vs stress debate
Most people go to work wanting to do their job as well as possible and this is likely to involve a cer tain amount of pressure; pressure which may be par t and parcel of meeting tight deadlines and producing positive results. Many people find this desirable and say it helps them to feel motivated.

But too much pressure often creates prolonged stress and this can lead to a cycle of poor performance, declining confidence, inefficiency, ill health and ultimately to decreasing company productivity. When it all becomes too much and the individual is unable to cope, stress begins to be bad for business.

The challenge for every company is to maintain a sense of purpose and motivation without causing stress: getting the balance right is crucial.

This test has been developed specifically for the owner/ managers of small organisations who are generally shor t of both time and resources.

What next?
Fortunately, there is plenty that employers can do to guard against the negative effects of stress. In most cases, this means making small changes that do not cost a lot of money. The whole organisation can benefit from a proactive approach to stress: and it can bring significant cost benefits.

When we carried out our initial research, managers of small organisations from both the private and voluntary sectors agreed that stress is a big issue and that help is needed. When we asked what would best support them, they asked for resources that were easily accessible, accurate and to the point.

It was with this brief that the 5 minute guide has been developed.

The stress test was created by Business Mentality, a London Development Agency funded project set up by The London Development Centre in partnership with Open Mind Consultancy Ltd.

Business Mentality provides direct services to small organisations, helping them to understand and manage workplace stress.