STRESSED-out council employees don't have to suffer in silence.

Councillors will tomorrow consider ways in which workers can get help for stress.

Bolton Council has a policy for helping employees take "all reasonable steps" to minimise stress in the workplace, the personnel and equal opportunities sub-committee will be told.

The policy aims to work towards a "healthy organisation" and includes reducing and eliminating stress due to "excessive workplace pressure".

The hope is that stress management will both protect the operation of the council and help employees at the same time.

Symptoms of occupational stress include loss of motivation, erratic or poor timekeeping, out of character rudeness, poor decision-making and impulsive or emotional behaviour.

Councillors will be told stress can be caused by excessive hours, too little or too much work, unrealistic deadlines and lack of training.

Physical conditions can also be stressful and include excessive noise, heat and humidity.

And the possible consequences for the employee may include tension, frustration, anger, anxiety and depression.

Early stress counselling can be useful and managers are advised to avoid unhealthy stress in their employees, says a report to the committee.

Managers and employees can receive training and there is support for all employees suffering from work-related stress.

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