Work-related stress management between workplace and occupational health care

BACKGROUND: Work-related stress has been evaluated as one of the most important health risks in Europe. Prevention of work related stress and interventions to reduce risk factors for stress in the workplace are conducted together by the enterprise and occupational health services. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the experiences of Finnish occupational physicians on the stress management with enterprises. METHODS: From the Finnish Association of Occupational Health Physicians membership list 207 physicians responded to self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: The client enterprises contacted occupational health services frequently about work-related stress. Collaboration between occupational health and enterprises was strongest in companies' own occupational health services and generally with most experienced physicians. Occupational health services and enterprises shared responsibility for managing work-related stress. CONCLUSIONS: Professional experience and close contact with organisation management favours successful stress management between occupational health and enterprises.