Health, Safety and Environment

BT “STREAM” Stress Tool

A bit of pressure is quite normal and can even be quite useful. It can help people perform better and more efficiently. But when someone feels that they are being overloaded, that pressure can quickly turn to stress. Stress does not help anyone, and people who feel stressed are far less likely to perform well.

All Openreach people are encouraged to complete the STREAM online stress assessment package: http://humanresources.intra.bt.com/stream-link/

STREAM is a voluntary on line assessment tool that comprises of approximately 40 tick box questions. It asks questions based on six categories that were developed by the Health and Safety Executive, as follows:

Depending on the answers, the results are marked Red, Amber or Green.

• If it is Red the individual is under potentially high levels of stress and action should be taken quickly to address and manage their issues. (This should be done within 7 days).
• If it is Amber this indicates that the individual is under some degree of stress or is at risk of becoming under stress in the near future. These issues are still important and should be addressed at a convenient time in the near future. (Within 28 days).
• Green indicates the individual is not under stress at the moment. This does not mean that they are necessarily capable of taking on more work. Instead it could indicate that they are managing with the work and domestic demands and pressures being placed upon them at the moment. (No action needed).

The package, that takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is fully endorsed by both the CWU and Connect and is entirely voluntary.