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

Alison Lucas & Lizzie Bentley Bowers: Why your offboarding process is as vital as onboarding

We know that beginnings shape performance and culture, so we take time to get them right. Endings are often rushed, avoided or delegated to process.

Reward gaps leave part-time and public sector staff ‘at disadvantage’

Unequal access to staff perks leaves part-time and public sector workers less recognised despite strong links between incentives and engagement.

Workplace workouts: simple ways to move more at your desk and boost health and productivity

Long periods at a desk can affect energy, concentration and physical comfort. Claire Small explains how regular movement during the working day can support wellbeing.

Government warned over youth jobs gap after King’s Speech

Ministers face calls for clearer action on youth employment as almost one million young people remain outside education, work or training.
- Advertisement -

UK ‘passes 8 million mental health sick days’ as anxiety and burnout hit younger workers

Anxiety, depression and burnout are driving millions of lost working days as employers face growing calls to improve mental health support.

Employers face growing duty of care pressures as business travel costs surge

Employers are under growing pressure to protect travelling staff as geopolitical instability, rising costs and disruption reshape business travel.

Must read

How your work space can create a happy mind space

According to a new Bupa report published this spring, employee mental health is now a bigger concern for companies than physical health issues.

Karen Holden: Are self-employed staff a risk to your business?

The recent case of BBC presenter Christa Ackroyd and those against Uber, Deliveroo, Addison Lee and Pimlico Plumbers leaves many companies unsure whether it is safe to contract with ‘self employed’ contractors / consultants.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you