The British Standards Institution has published a new guide to help employers manage stress in the workplace. The guide comes as the CIPD announced the results of their latest quarterly workplace survey, showing that workplace morale has hit a record low.

The PAS 1010 ‘Guidance on the management of psychosocial risks in the workplace’ was created to help employers use best practice when dealing with workplace stress, enabling them to promote good health amongst their employees. It looks at the organisation of the workplace and the social factors that could cause physical or mental illness as a result of stress.

Stress is one of the most common issues in modern workplaces, affecting the health of more than 40 million employees across Europe each year. The BSI is now working with the World Health Organisation and the Health and Safety Executive, as well as other international organisations, to develop the guide into a new standard for best practice.

The BSI is also looking at the development of appropriate training courses for HR staff and managers.