NASUWT Representatives

98 www.nasuwt.org.ukStressStress is the reaction of our body and mind when the demandsmade of us become too much for our ability to manage. Stressis an area of concern for NASUWT Representatives as well asHealth and Safety Representatives.Signs of stress in colleagues may be:l behavioural changes such as irritability, aggression,unwillingness to accept advice or co-operate with others,increased use of cigarettes, coffee, alcohol and other drugs,overworking and difficulty in maintaining concentration.Particular pressures on teachers include:2 excessive workload;2 pupil behaviour;2 a host of frustrating and ineffective meetings;2 Ofsted inspections;2 major changes in working practices;2 threat of violence;2 management bullying;2 threat of sexual or racial harassment;2 lack of career progression;2 large class sizes.The NASUWT Representative should treat the issue as acollective problem and:l work with the NASUWT Health and Safety Representative;l hold a meeting and organise a short survey to encouragemembers to discuss the issue;l check sickness, absence and accident statistics to see ifthey are related to stress;l consider suggesting the implementation of a general stressmanagement programme. Argue that stress impairs theperformance of the school by creating increased andunpredictable sickness absence, high staff turnover,behavioural problems, poor working relationships and lessteamwork. It tends to have a domino effect if left unchecked:colleagues may themselves be put under greater pressure.Stress-related absence costs money;l if an individual member has problems, the underlying causesmust be identified and addressed. Also suggest potentialassistance such as programmes of anxiety management,counselling, relaxation and/or assertiveness training.Where a member has suffered extended absence as a result ofwork-related stress, the NASUWT Representative should takeadvice from the Regional Centre.For advice and help ˚ Local Association ˚ Regional/National Centre ˚ National Executive