Peace and goodwill? Work stress peaks for many in December

-

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

NHS badge review raises wider questions about political expression at work

A government-backed NHS review has reignited debate over political symbols at work and how employers can balance protected beliefs with workplace conduct.

Andrew Fettes-Brown: Leading with curiosity – why the built environment needs a culture shift to allow for innovation

Curiosity creates the conditions for learning, growth and understanding. It encourages us to interrogate problems properly rather than rushing to solutions.

Mental health ‘stigma’ still stops staff speaking to managers

Most employees remain uncomfortable discussing mental health concerns with managers despite growing workplace wellbeing investment.

UK set for biggest rise in unemployment among G7 nations, OECD warns

Britain is forecast to record the largest rise in unemployment among G7 economies this year as economic growth slows and labour market conditions weaken.
- Advertisement -

UK employers ‘risk falling behind global rivals on AI hiring’

UK employers remain cautious about artificial intelligence in recruitment while overseas rivals move faster to adopt AI hiring tools.

Carly Jenner of Apeel Sciences

A global people leader shares how list-making, wellness routines and international teamwork shape her working day in HR.

Must read

Recruitment: time to up your game

Job candidates will drop out of your recruitment process if your assessments have too much gamification, says Andreas Lohff.

Simon Robinson: Screening an applicant’s social media profiles – yes or no?

“I know what you did last summer!” It’s commonplace for...
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you