Stressed out workers costing UK business millions

As many as one in five employees have taken time off work because of stress and more than a quarter of workers say they feel stressed all or most of the time, losing British businesses millions of pounds.

Over £1 billion has been estimated to have been lost amongst businesses in direct costs due to workers taking time off work due to stress, according to a study by serviced office provider Business Environment.

Unrealistic deadlines, pressure from above and lack of support have been cited as the main reasons for causing stress in the workplace, with it being found that one fifth of employees take work home with them at least once or twice a week to cope with their workload.

The study also found that Monday is the most stressful day in the office for more than a third of workers and Thursday is the calmest day of the week.

The negative effects of stress are also outlined in the study, as 8 per cent of workers admit to shouting at another colleague because of stress.

Managing director of Business Environment, David Saul, says that the culture of expecting employees to work all hours is actually creating these negative effects.

“This research clearly shows that this is actually having a detrimental effect, not only on employee health and wellbeing, but also on the wider business with billions being lost in days taken off sick.

“I believe all employers have a responsibility to challenge the status quo and cultivate an office environment where employees feel supported by senior staff and able to voice concerns before stress levels go through the roof. Of course, there will be times when employees are required to go above and beyond, but this should never be at detriment to their health.”

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