Workplace stress is costing UK businesses a staggering £1.24 billion a year in time taken off – and the problem is getting worse, according to a new report.
The research, conducted by Personnel Today and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), found that over 1.5 million working days a year are now lost due to stressed out workers, with psychological ailments accounting for 11 per cent of all absences.
Worryingly, the study suggested that the problem was getting worse, with over half of the UK firms questioned reporting an increase in workplace stress.
The report warned that the UK’s productivity could be under threat from an increase in workplace stress, while 60 per cent of employers admitted that the problem is causing staff retention difficulties.
According to the survey, British workplaces are helping exacerbate stress-related problems, with half of those questioned admitting that their businesses put an undue strain on employees.
Employers quizzed said that the main causes of stress in their firm were unreasonable demands on staff, a lack of support and training, poor relationships at work and poorly-defined job roles.
According to a separate survey by BRMB, employees appear to agree with their employers, with 35 per cent of those polled claiming that they receive little or no support from management.
The research found that stress had become so bad for staff that 42 per cent worried about their job outside working hours, four in ten felt they could not report their concerns while nearly a quarter dreaded going into work.
Both surveys will make worrying reading for small businesses, as they suggest that problem of workplace stress is much worse than previously feared.
A study by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last year found that workplace stress was costing the economy just £370 million – far less than the massive £1.24 billion figure suggested in this latest research.
As reported by Startups.co.uk, the government has introduced several measures over the past year to improve employees’ ‘work-life’ balance, including flexible working rights and improved maternity and paternity leave.
However, research has shown that the measures have had little effect, with UK staff continuing to shun holidays and work the longest hours in Europe.
Mike Emmott, of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), said that firms must rise to the challenge of dealing with stress.
“Tackling stress is about good management. Line managers have to be competent and aware and stress is now a major human resource issue.
“It’s a growing problem that’s linked to bullying, long hours, work load and management support,” he said.
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