The study also revealed that age has a huge impact on stress levels, with the younger generation of workers far more stressed than older colleagues. One in five (20%)of 16-24 years olds were very or extremely stressed at work whilst one in ten (10%) of over 55’s confessed to high stress levels.
On a positive note, stress levels in both older and younger colleauges has reduced from this time last year, when a similar study was carried out, revealing that (93%) of UK workers were suffering from stress.
David Fleming, Sales Director, at Badenoch & Clark, commented: “Our Employment Study has shown that UK workers are suffering from chronic stress levels. Whilst it is encouraging to see that, as the UK has come out of recession, stress levels in the workplace have slightly decreased, the vast majority of workers are still under far too much pressure. The spending review and forthcoming cuts will do nothing to alleviate this situation.
“Stress costs British business billions of pounds a year. Excessive stress reduces productivity and leads to an increase in sick days. Helping your staff create a balanced schedule, alongside firm management of workloads will assist in reducing stress. Further to this, it is important for managers to take time to talk to staff on a one to one basis and identify the main sources of stress.”
