"This report presents the findings of the first phase of a research project which aimed to identify the specific management behaviours associated with the effective management of stress at work and to build a management competency framework for preventing and reducing stress at work. The project also aimed to identify those behaviours associated with each of the six HSE Management Standards and those behaviours associated with the implementation of the Standards. A final aim was to explore the possible integration of the emergent competency framework into existing management competency frameworks.

A qualitative, multi-method approach was taken involving 216 employees, 166 line managers and 54 HR practitioners working within the five HSE priority sectors (Education, Finance, Local Government, Central Government and Healthcare). The emergent ‘Management Competencies for preventing and reducing stress at work' framework identified 19 competencies relating to the management of stress in employees. These were then compared to the HSE Management Standards and a number of general management frameworks. Conclusions are discussed in light of implications for research, policy makers, employers and line managers.

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy."

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