As the economy continues to improve, business confidence has skyrocketed and client orders are once more climbing at a pace last seen before the recession took hold in 2008. However, this increase in demand has placed a great deal of stress on the shoulders of British workers as they battle to complete tasks within a set deadline – and this is something which could be costing employers greatly.
According to a study conducted by Friends Life, released on National Stress Awareness Day on the 6th of November, it was found that almost five million employees were forced to take a sick day as a result of stress during the past year. This, in total, cost employers £460 million.
The study highlighted the fact that workers under the age of 25 are most prone to succumbing to stress, with 24 per cent admitting to taking a sick day simply due to the pressure put upon them at work. Job security was cited as a particular factor contributing towards rising stress levels, with 52 per cent of 18-24 year olds expressing concern over their future with the company they work for.
Yet other factors also played a role, with 35 per cent of respondents worrying about money and 22 per cent feeling generally stressed about their working environment. Fortunately, though, this is an improvement of 2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively since the study was last conducted in 2012.
Director of group protection at Friends Life, David Williams, points out that improvements in the economy do not necessarily translate into the lives of British workers.
“Despite green shoots of recovery in the economy, it’s clear from our research that many workers continue to live under a serious burden of stress, particularly those under the age of 25.
“UK economic output is improving but this is not having as positive an effect on UK workers’ stress levels as we would have hoped,” he said.
Friends Life also pointed out that, even if a worker chooses to go to work whilst feeling stressed rather than taking a sick day, employers will not necessarily benefit as workers suffering from stress are more likely to allow their attention to wander and can make mistakes which can cause a setback in important tasks.
In fact, research by the International Stress Management Association has found that stress costs UK businesses around £60 billion per year simply because workers are not capable of performing to their full strength.
Williams adds; “Employers can provide valuable services for their employees that can help prevent and manage stress.
“It is important that employers spot the signs of stress early to ensure that action can be taken to help employees feeling pressurised – this can positively affect employee wellbeing and engagement as well as business productivity.”
Do you think workers should be given more help and advice as a means of combatting UK stress levels?
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