Stress at Work in the Legal Profession

As with many other sectors, stress at work is an increasing problem for the legal profession because of the increasing pressure of work.  As stress levels and hours worked rise, claims have risen.  A recent BMA report showed that as a profession,  law now has the highest levels of stress.  In fact it has taken over medicine. 

As problem solvers, many lawyers find it hard to admit to any sign of weakness, believing they need to be seen to be in control. However, as with any other profession with long working hours and high levels of responsibility, stress is a big issue.

An article about "Drinking to Drown out Job Stress" which recently appeared in the Guardian (Thursday June 8th 2006) stated that "The problem is most severe in the legal profession, where 38% of men say they suffer from extreme stress levels.

Resources

Article about the Legal Profession suffering from increasing claims against employers 

Article in Guardian: Third of Men Drink to Drown out Job Stress

How In Equilibrium can help

We have various courses that can help with the problems discussed above. These can be tailored to deal with problems specific to your organisation. If you would like to do something to try to tackle stress related issues in your organisation please contact us.

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Managers Managing Stress - Full-day course

This course trains managers in what they need to know and do to minimise stress risk for their staff at work. The training emphasises practical actions that minimise risk to the employee and the organisation. Managers are taught how to prevent stress, identify problems at an early stage, and what to do when stress problems do occur.

Managers Managing Well-being - Full-day course

The objective of the course is to provide managers with the knowledge and skills to improve the well-being of their staff while they are at work. This course aims to raise managers’ awareness of well-being and to alert them to the early warning signs of stress and poor mental well-being. Managers are shown that by using the “Managing Well-being Formula” they can construct action plans to minimise risk whilst enhancing well-being, enjoyment and satisfaction at work.

Lifestyle Management - Full-day course

This course introduces participants to a variety of concepts and techniques, which can work together to maintain good health and reduce the risk of stress. Lifestyle approaches, work-life balance and personal ways of thinking are all covered, using interactive exercises. Participants learn that taking personal responsibility for their reactions to events is the first step towards achieving effective personal stress management. 

Tools and Techniques for Individuals - Half-day course

The purpose of this course is to equip participants with tools and techniques that will reduce stress and boost health and well-being. The benefits of achieving a good work-life balance are emphasised throughout the course.

Bullying and Harassment - Full-day course

We can provide in-house training courses on bullying and harassment and dignity and respect at work which are designed to improve organisational culture and individual performance. The training will also cover the organisation’s legal requirements including its responsibilities as a result of the recent major changes to Age Discrimination legislation. The training will also make constant reference to the organisation’s own Policy on Bullying and Harassment, if one exists.

Conflict Resolution - Consultancy

In Equilibrium can provide in-house consultancy services for organisations who have conflict or relationship issues within teams. This can also extend to assisting with return to work situations where an individual or a group of individuals have taken temporary leave of absence because of conflict or relationship problems.

Please contact Alastair Taylor on 0131 476 5027 or click here to email us with your organisation's requirements.