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Occupational stress

As a physio, you're by no means alone if you're feeling stressed at work. What can you do to help yourself and colleagues?

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Occupational stress is a health and safety issue like any other workplace hazard 

Elect a safety rep if you don't have one.   Below is case studies from two of our reps about their experiences for finding workable solutions with members and managers to alleviate the problem of stress. 

CSP safety rep and clinical specialist physio Julia Smith helped solve a problem where lack of space in her department was causing stress. She lobbied for 'lunar' days to be introduced, whereby staff involved take one day off in every ten.

Julia explains: 'to address the problem we introduced lunar days and four-day weeks, sent staff out to work in local GP's surgeries and installed extra benches to create more workspace. This alleviated stress and made staff feel their concerns had been listened to and acted on'.

CSP safety rep Claire Smith found a solution to the stress levels her members experienced by negotiating protected time for each department. Instead of being expected to see more patients, staff time is protected to:

  • address issues that are causing stress such as tidying up the work area
  • learn more about processes, and where individuals and departments fit in
  • allow for debriefing sessions so staff don't take problems home with them

A quarterly 'stress meeting' also takes place with representatives from each department to discuss particular areas of stress and solutions with management.

Find out more

Download CSP member stress at work briefings. This set of documents covers demands of the job, dealing with change, role conflict, support, bullying, and the work environment.

Other useful guidance on stress can be found on the ACAS and HSE websites:

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