Applicability of survey feedback for an occupational health method in stress management

Abstract

The main stressors in work organizations have been determined in the research on mental stress. This has prompted occupational health personnel to actively look for new tools in reducing stress. However, only a few workplaces have implemented action models for health promotion by reducing stressors. The aim of this project was to investigate the applicability of survey feedback for an occupational health method of stress management. The survey feedback process, which has been one of the main approaches in organization development, was applied for stressor reduction. The employee's commitment to the programme was confirmed by participation. The occupational health personnel were responsible for carrying out the programme. The project was carried out in selected departments of one factory of an international paper company. On the basis of the survey feedback, the departments made changes in their action models, environment and instruction and guidance systems. According to the follow-up in one department, the variability of work increased, and overall mental and physical strenousness decreased. The OH personnel shifted their working model towards more active co-operation with the work units. Today the survey feedback is a routine method of the occupational health service of the company.