Peace and goodwill? Work stress peaks for many in December

-

winter399
A winter scene by the American printmaker Rockwell Kent – many people find the festive period just too stressful

Do you believe in peace and goodwill and this most wonderful time of the year? Well good on you, you’re just, just about in the majority. Apparently quite a few of us don’t see Christmas as the most wonderful time of the year. In fact, according to new research, 42 percent  say December is one of the most stressful months of the year. Balancing work and family life and the rush to take holidays before the year apparently piles on the pressure, the new research from MetLife Employee Benefits shows.

The firms statistics shows the biggest cause of stress in December is balancing work and home life, which was identified by 38 percent of interviewees, while colleagues taking holidays was cited by 32 percent as a driver of stress.

With such high stress levels, the dreaded, or in the odd rare case, not so dreaded, Christmas party is not much consolation for many employees. 18 percent of those surveyed did not have a Christmas celebration at work, and for those that do, around two in five (37 percent) said they would not be going along. 41 percent of those who are not going say they prefer to keep their work and home life separate while 24 percent say the date clashes with family duties.

Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.

Latest news

New Sainsbury’s dismissal reignites debate over shoplifting intervention policies

Supermarket safety policies are under scrutiny as more retail workers lose jobs after confronting suspected thieves.

Cheryl-Anne Cooper: How human-led guest services drive employee wellbeing

The way people feel in a workplace matters just as much as how it functions, and guest service teams deliver experiences that reflect a brand’s culture and values.

Workplace injuries hit 60,000 as safety gaps widen across UK

Workplace accident rates reveal steep regional and sector differences, with serious injuries and fatalities continuing in high-risk industries.

Civil service attendance row raises questions over remote work oversight

Concerns over hybrid working oversight grow after claims of low office attendance across parts of the civil service.
- Advertisement -

UK leads Europe on salary transparency as EU pay deadline approaches

UK job adverts remain more open about pay than those in other major European economies as new transparency rules approach across the EU.

From factory floor to HR leader at CEVA Logistics

An HR leader at CEVA Logistics reflects on career growth, commuting, learning, leadership and balancing work with life at home.

Must read

Brittany Barhite: Creating a culture of wellness through leadership

Brittany Barhite explores the importance of mental health management in the workplace.

Aoife Greally: How lawyers can improve physical and mental wellbeing at work

Many lawyers feel that their work and home lives are often out of kilter. So, what can HR do to change this?
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you