Expert raises issue of workplace stress

A representative from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), an organisation with a history going back to 1896, has highlighted the need to distinguish between being busy and stressed at work.

Steve Williams, the head of equality at Acas, has confirmed that although individuals may define themselves as suffering from stress, it may well be the case that they are busy.

According to Mr Williams, an individual can feel stressed when they consider themselves to be no longer in control, or even unable to perform in their job.

"I think there's a general recognition that stress is not a good thing, that it can affect productivity, it can affect performance and that it's in their interests to do something about it," said Mr Williams.

"The issue is really identifying stress as opposed to simply identifying when someone is busy."

Stress can also induce a feeling of powerlessness.