From having to work extra hours, managing your workload around those meetings nobody wants to attend or an argument with a coworker, everyone deals with some amount of stress at their job. It’s normal. That’s why it’s so hard to get a workers’ compensation claim approved when citing the cause is work-related stress.
But, there are exceptions. In New York, the State Workers’ Compensation Board will hear claims of mental distress.
So, what are the exceptions that could qualify as above-normal stress and have a better chance of board approval?
- If your experiencing mental anxiety or stress that was caused by a physical injury that occurred while on the job.
- If you feel that you suffered psychological stress due to you witnessing a traumatic event at your place of employment.
- If your above-normal work-related stress appeared because of severely adverse or dangerous working conditions.
Some of the stressors that can lead to work-related stress are listed below.
- A poor organizational culture
- Bad management
- Job requirements
- Stressful work environment
- Dealing with work relationships
- A Lack of support
- Different versions of trauma
As the employer, taking steps to ease the work-related stress of your employees has multiple benefits, including:
- Reduced mental and physical health, thus a more productive work environment
- Fewer on-the-job injuries, lost time or sick leave
- Greater job satisfaction
- Increased engagement among employees
- Reduced costs to the employer
- Improved office morale and employee well-being.
If you are considering filing a claim for work-related stress, don’t be surprised it if gets rejected, but having a workers’ comp attorney on your side can only help your chances.
