New research from NHS Charities Together found that while 72% of UK adults acknowledge NHS staff as having the most difficult job during the festive season, NHS workers feel taken for granted.
Despite public awareness of the challenges the festive season brings, many NHS workers report feeling undervalued and overwhelmed. The study polled 500 NHS staff, with over half (51%) stating that December is the most stressful month for them. This stress is exacerbated by factors such as increased demand for care, a rise in flu and Covid cases, and staffing shortages.
Among healthcare professionals surveyed, 62 percent said they feel taken for granted, and 25 percent believe their efforts are not properly appreciated. The human cost of working in the NHS during the festive period is stark, with 60 percent of staff likely to miss personal gatherings and 54 percent anticipating extra shifts to cover for absent colleagues.
Causes of Stress Among NHS Workers
Staff shortages are identified as the leading cause of stress for NHS employees, with 31 percent naming it their top concern. Other significant stressors include staff sickness (15%), an increase in admissions due to seasonal illnesses (13%), and abusive behaviour from patients (10%).
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In response to these pressures, many NHS workers are turning to support services. Three in 10 (31%) said they were likely to seek assistance through helplines, counselling, or free and subsidised exercise programmes
Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said, “Our latest survey reveals that while most of the UK public are winding down at work and busying themselves with social plans, our hardworking NHS staff are bracing themselves for another stressful winter.
“Working for the NHS was identified as the most stressful job to do during December, with things like staff shortages, sickness in patients and staff, and abusive patients all cited as potential factors. The data also showed that only one in five UK adults intend to take care of themselves by eating a balanced diet and doing regular exercise during December.
“We’re urging the public to prioritise taking care of themselves this winter and get behind our amazing NHS by supporting our winter appeal. As NHS staff face another tough December, the wellbeing support we fund – such as counselling, helplines, gym equipment and access to green space – has never been more important.”
