The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) announced the launch of a new free online stress management tool to help management executives to deal with the stress levels.

The new tool, which was developed with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), aims at helping managers see hoe their behavior affect others. It also provides stress management tools to allow the staff to reduce stress in the workplace.

The tool was developed after a CIPD research showed that stress is the main reason for long-term sickness absence. It was also found that the lack of guidance for employees is the main reason for causes of this illness.

Ben Willmott, head of public policy at CIPD, said that the tool will allow the managers to know how to handle particular situations in order to create a positive environment in the workplace.

"It is in employers' interests to ensure managers have the necessary people management skills to manage and prevent stress," he said.

The tool is now available at the CIPD/AXA PPP employee health and well-being website. There are several online resources for management executives to help reduce stress levels in employees.