Employers and unions urged to tackle stress at work

The chairman of the National Centre for Partnership and Performance has urged trade unions and employers to devise measures to tackle stress in the workplace.

Peter Cassels told a conference on stress management in Mullingar today that almost half of Irish workers found their jobs stressful.

He said a recent ESRI survey had found that 40% of employees come home from work exhausted and that one-third of employees were too tired after work to enjoy their family lives.

Mr Cassels, a former ICTU general secretary who is contesting the European election in Leinster for the Labour Party, said the main causes of workplace stress were the pressures of work, lengthy commuting times, a lack of affordable childcare and a lack of flexibility in working arrangements.

He said the problem is worsening, with organisations throughout the country demanding more of their workers.

Mr Cassels said employers should attach more importance to tackling stress as a means to safeguard jobs and profits for the future.