UK workforce suffer from record levels of stress

Record stress levels are being reported by British workers, according to a new warning from GPs and new research from Aviva UK Health.

New figures show that over six in ten (61%) workers are saying that the current economic climate is making them feel increasingly stressed and under pressure. These claims, released today to mark National Stress Awareness Day, are backed up by figures from Aviva UK Health, which has seen customer calls to its Employee Assistance Programme increase by 79% over the past year, as well as findings from its ‘Health of the Workplace 2009′ report in which four in five bosses identified stress as the biggest issue facing their businesses this year.

Now, GPs have issued a warning to employers to improve how they prevent and treat the problem, with four in five reporting that employers are not equipped to spot the signs of stress-related illness amongst their staff (78%) and do not provide enough support for those suffering (80%).

Their comments are echoed by the workforce, with over three in five (61%) stating their working life is increasingly stressful and nearly half (45%) believe that their company has no provision for dealing with stress.

Dr Doug Wright, Principal Clinical Consultant at Aviva UK Health, said:

“The lack of support from business leaders to help their employees prevent and treat the problem is extremely worrying. Stress is a serious issue and British bosses need to look to prevent it before it has an impact on businesses.”

As pressure builds, people are turning to unhealthy habits with almost a third (32%) drinking alcohol to help them deal with the effects of stress, one in five (18%) smoking more cigarettes and one in ten (11%) self-medicating with over the counter medication such as sleeping tablets.

Dr Wright continues:

“Coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, have further serious health implications in the long term. Employers have a responsibility to prevent workers from becoming over-stressed by providing support such as an Employee Assistance Programme, encouraging them to keep active, having a good work/life balance, eating healthily and ensuring that they are equipped to spot the signs.”

For more information about National Stress Awareness Day, visit www.isma.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-day.

(Photo by Crashmaster007.)