Following the launch and introduction of an anti-stress initiative by the City of London Police, "Quality of Working Life" in 2003, the results of an internal audit completed in September 2005, has shown the scheme to be a success.
The main aims of the Quality of Working Life scheme were as follows:
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To assess and identify the main causes of stress and to develop a strategy to tackle it.
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To focus on issues such as work-life balance and staff commitment.
Once the identification of work-related stress was made, a series of workplace programmes and initiatives were put in place, such as the following:
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The introduction of a flexible working policy.
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Employee communication reviews.
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Active performance management.
The internal audit results have shown benefits to the workforce such as the following:
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Employees now had higher levels of job satisfaction.
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Employees now had improved commitment.
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Employees now had improved psychological and physical health.
Carolyn Woolley, Human Resource Services Director at City of London Police, said:
"Policing involves a great deal of pressure on a daily basis for officers and staff.
"High levels of absenteeism, including that due to stress, increase the pressure on all staff, which can potentially lead to a drop in employee motivation, staff morale and, ultimately, performance."
Robertson Cooper, the company who ran the initiative, is working with a further 15 police forces to implement the scheme.
Professor Cary Cooper, Director of Business Psychologists Robertson Cooper said:
"Wellbeing has now become a bottom-line issue for organisations. If they actively manage it, they can start to see the benefits."
Jan Berry, Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said:
"Chief police officers need to do all they can to minimise the impact of stress and provide support where necessary."
Representatives from 38 of the 51 UK police forces attended a stress workshop organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Association of Chief Police Officers and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Police Forum in Manchester last month. The aim of the stress workshop was to ascertain the underlying causes of stress.
Further information on work-related stress can be accessed from the HSE webpage by clicking the following:
An HSfB news article on 1 February 2006, provides further information on stress in the police force, with excellent links for help and advice. Access to this article and links is available by clicking the following:
1 February 2006 - Police Chiefs and HSE Meeting to Beat Police Stress
Article by Alexandra Johnston
