Stress strategies

The University has a number of initiatives to help you deal with stress from a range of sources. These are listed below with details on how to obtain further information.

• ‘Dealing with Stress’ is a course run by Staff Learning & Development which considers sources of stress which may impact on performance at work, addresses your own particular sources of personal stress and some techniques for managing your own stress. Further information can be found on the Learning & Developmentwebpages. 
• The Occupational Health Service exists to support staff through any health related issue and can advise individuals on services available inside and external to the University. A staff counselling service is available in partnership with Devon County Council's Wellbeing at Work service. Further information on the counselling servicecan be found on the Occupational Health website.
• WorkWAYS is an Exeter organisation that has many useful links with the University. Particularly, it is involved in the ‘Mindful Employer initiative. Given that a certain amount of stress is part of working life, an important area of awareness to develop is managing your levels. They have developed a useful resourceto help staff manage stress.
• The recently relaunched Harassment Policyhas useful information. 
• The Harassment Adviser’s Network is a group of trained members of staff who are available for consultations with individuals who may be feeling harassed by a work situation. Advisers are able to support individual through various solutions, these may include use of the University’s Harassment Policy or signposting to other services/agencies. The list of advisers is available on the Equality & Diversitywebsite.
• For information on equal opportunities activities in the University, visit our Equality & Diversitypages.
• The Equality and Diversity Manager, Dorcas Cowan, runs consultation groups for a range of diverse interests. Staff can join groups to meet and discuss; race, disability, gender, sexuality and other equality and diversity issue. Contact Dorcas Cowan for details.
• The University runs a range of sport and wellness activities which any members of staff are welcome to join. These activities include lunchtime walking or jogging, gym and circuits sessions and weight management classes. There are also fitness classes.
• See also our Staff Guidance on Stress.