JUST about every health hazard in the office is easy to spot except one - stress.

Endless telephone calls, high workloads and bullying can all add up to a nightmare, even for the most level-headed of workers.

But help is at hand thanks to Bexley Management Services which is running a course in stress control later this year.

Stephen Chambers of BMS said: "When staff costs are so high, we believe it makes sense for employers to do all they can to avoid excessive levels of stress.

"It has been estimated that staff turnover and sickness absence related to stress costs employers £1.3 billion a year.

"Stress plays too big a part in people's lives, yet there is quite a lot that can be done before it gets really serious."

BMS will be running a two-day course for managers to show them what can be done to help not only themselves but also their staff.

Managers will be taught various practical strategies for coping with stress and there will be the opportunity to try some out.

The course will be presented by stress expert Christopher Bell from Ashford.

Mr Bell presents a weekly show on Radio Kent on personal development. He said: "Being stressed is like reacting to an emergency, we can all function for a time at a higher level but not permanently.

"But if we do try to keep it going we will inevitably crack up with unwelcome and possibly grave results.

"The course is geared towards learning to recognise a stressful situation, the associated behaviour and how we can help ourselves and others."

The course is due to take place at the Swallow Hotel, Bexleyheath in June but employers are advised to book early.

Call Janet Hengler or Stephen Chambers on 0181 300 4339 for information and booking details.

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