Amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern workplace, stress has become a prevalent issue affecting employees across various industries. Recent research conducted by HR software provider Ciphr sheds light on the significant impact work-related stress has on the well-being of UK workers. The survey, which involved 1,238 employed adults, revealed that over two-thirds (70%) of respondents identified at least one aspect of work that contributes to their stress levels.
Causes of Work Stress:
Among the myriad of stress triggers, work emerged as the third biggest cause of stress for UK employees, following lack of sleep and money worries. Approximately one in three employees (37%) cited work in general as a major source of stress, closely followed by workload pressures (35%). Furthermore, nearly one in four individuals (23%) expressed struggles with long or inflexible working hours, while one in five attributed their stress to their bosses (21%), workplace culture (20%), or work colleagues (19%).
Despite the transition to remote and hybrid working models post-pandemic, commuting remained a significant source of stress for a notable 19% of workers. Additionally, concerns about job security weighed heavily on the minds of 17% of respondents. The stress of managing emails, instant messages, and group chats also impacted 16% of those surveyed.
Gender Disparities in Stress Levels:
The research highlighted gender disparities in stress levels, with women being more frequently affected by stress both in and outside of work. Women were less likely to report never feeling stressed in a typical month (7% of female workers vs. 12% of male workers) and more likely to experience daily stress (13% vs. 8%).
Women also faced a higher prevalence of stress triggers compared to their male counterparts. For instance, issues related to fatigue or lack of sleep affected half of the surveyed women (48%) compared to less than a third of men (31%). Financial strain, workload pressures, global events, meal planning, and caregiving responsibilities were among the stressors that disproportionately impacted women.
Industries with Highest Stress Levels:
The research delved into the industries with the highest prevalence of work-related stress, shedding light on the challenges faced by employees in different sectors. Hospitality and events management emerged as the most stress-inducing industry, with workers experiencing stress an average of 15.6 days a month. Social care, teaching and education, and healthcare followed closely behind, with stress levels averaging 13.1, 12.3, and 12.3 days a month, respectively.
Conversely, workers in engineering and manufacturing reported lower stress levels, with an average of 7.3 days of stress per month. The findings underscored the varying degrees of stress experienced across industries, emphasizing the need for targeted support and interventions to address workplace stress effectively.
Employer Responsibilities in Managing Work Stress:
Claire Williams, Chief People and Operations Officer at Ciphr, emphasized the critical role employers play in supporting employee well-being and managing work-related stress. Williams highlighted the need for organizations to address common stressors such as unrealistic workloads, time pressures, unsupportive colleagues, and toxic workplace cultures that can impede productivity and job satisfaction.
Employers were urged to cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being, normalizes discussions about stress, and provides resources for mental health support. Training managers to recognize signs of mental distress and ensuring employees have access to health insurance plans and employee assistance programs were among the recommended strategies to mitigate work-related stress.
In conclusion, the survey results underscore the pervasive nature of work-related stress among UK employees and the imperative for employers to take proactive steps in addressing this issue. By fostering a supportive and empathetic work environment, organizations can mitigate the adverse effects of stress on employee well-being and productivity. As the workforce continues to navigate the complexities of modern work dynamics, prioritizing mental health and well-being remains paramount in fostering a positive and sustainable work culture.