Nearly one quarter (24 per cent) of British workers are feeling increased pressure at work, according to new research from StepStone and totaljobs.com.
The research also found that British employees are more affected by stress than their European counterparts. Out of the eight countries surveyed, including France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland, UK respondents were the most likely to say they suffered from workplace stress.
Only 13 per cent of British employees said they don’t suffer from any stress and deal with their workload well, compared to the European average of 42 per cent.
According to new data by the Office of National Statistics, absence related to stress, depression and anxiety accounted for 15.2 million lost days of employment last year, up from 11.8 million in 2010.
Commenting on the findings, John Salt, website director at totaljobs.com says:
“Companies need to pay more attention to the hidden danger of stress, which is becoming a big issue in the workplace. It’s vital that employers ensure staff are able to handle their workload within normal working hours, leaving enough time during the week to switch off, recharge and relax.”
At the other end of the spectrum, the Dutch and the French are the most relaxed. Sixty four per cent of employees in these countries are not at all stressed at work, and feel perfectly able to handle their workload.
Salt continues: “Taking care of stress in the workplace is a win-win for employees and employers alike. Jobseekers should consider the atmosphere, culture and company HR policies when looking for employment.
Employers who make the effort to tackle stress at work will have happier, more productive workers, reducing the costs associated with this issue and, at the same time, improve employee loyalty and retention.”
