Information and assistance
There are a number of sources of assistance, support and information about the prevention and management of stress. These include:
- A confidential online employee support system
- Occupational Health Service and counselling services
- Training courses
- Staff representation
- Health and welfare
A confidential online employee support system
Xanthis Stress Manager, a confidential on-line stress management system, is available to all staff. A single user name and password ensures anonymity for users.
Stress Manager gives in-depth information about stress and how to recognise when it is problematic. It also provides some self-learning tools to help staff to identify stress, improve their skills in managing stressful situations, and links through, where appropriate, to other services such as the Occupational Health Service, University Counselling Service, and the Oxford Learning Institute.
Occupational Health Service and counselling services
The University Occupational Health Service (UOHS) can provide advice to managers and staff who have concerns about the effect of work-related stress in individual cases.
UOHS may also refer staff to a counselling service for University staff who are experiencing distress or other difficulties either as a result of work-related problems or personal issues. Individuals may be referred to the Occupational Health Service - with their consent - by their manager.
Alternatively staff may refer themselves to the University Occupational Health Service (UOHS) to request counselling.
Training courses
The University provides a wide range of training courses for both managers and staff.
a) The Oxford Learning Institute (OLI) provides specific training on the issue of stress management as well as a range of courses aimed at providing staff with skills to assist with managing stress in the work-place, such as time-management, and assertiveness. OLI also provides opportunities for all staff to develop work-related skills, including research and teaching skills, management and leadership training.
b) Computing skills training and support is provided by the Oxford University Computing Service.
c) English language training for those for whom English is not a first language may be sought through the LanguageCentre.
Your line manager or departmental administrator will be able to give you advice and guidance on the training and support available to you.
Staff representation
The University works closely with the recognised trades unions on new initiatives and policies which affect staff. The staff representatives also have an important role in ensuring staff welfare and are able to provide advice and assistance to staff on an individual basis.
Details of the employee representation arrangements are available in the Staff Handbooks.
The recognised trades unions also publish information about stress.
Health and welfare
It is recognised that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and an effective work-life balance are important factors in managing stress and the University supports a number of family-friendly policies including childcare, flexible working and arrangements for sickness absence as well as providing generous holiday entitlements to staff. There are also social and health/fitness facilities for staff including the University Club and sports facilities. Information on all these matters may be found in the staff handbooks and separate staff benefits handbook.
Disabled staff
Advice on support for disabled staff can be sought from the University's Disability Office.
Bullying and harassment
Staff who consider that they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work seek confidential advice from a departmental harassment adviser, the harassment helpline (01865 (2)70760) or the Equality and Diversity unit.