New research highlights that work is a major stress factor for UK’s employees, ranking third after sleep deprivation and financial issues.
- Approximately 70% of surveyed employees report work-related stress as a significant concern.
- Workload pressures and inflexible hours are primary contributors to workplace stress.
- Remote work hasn’t alleviated stress from commuting, which remains an issue for many.
- Women are disproportionately affected by work stress compared to their male counterparts.
Recent research indicates that work ranks as the third most significant stressor for employees in the UK, following lack of sleep and financial concerns. A notable 70% of those surveyed by Ciphr, a HR software provider, identified work as a stress source. Work in general was cited as the primary cause of stress by approximately 37% of respondents, with workload pressures close behind at 35%.
Furthermore, nearly 23% of employees find long or inflexible working hours particularly stressful. Management and workplace culture also contribute, with 21% citing bosses, 20% workplace culture, and 19% colleagues as stress factors. Notably, commuting remains a stress inducer, affecting 19% of employees, despite the rise in remote and hybrid work arrangements.
Job security worries and the pressure of managing communications such as emails and instant messages are other significant stressors, cited by 17% and 16% of respondents respectively. These stress factors are compounded by personal challenges like fatigue (40%) and financial strain (38%), all of which impact performance at work.
The research highlights a disparity in stress impact between genders, showing that women report higher stress levels across various factors compared to men. For instance, 48% of women compared to 31% of men cite tiredness and sleep deprivation as stress factors. Women also report higher stress regarding finances, workloads, and global events.
Stress levels vary by industry, with sectors like hospitality and events management reporting higher average stress days per month compared to engineering and manufacturing. Employees in social care and education also experience frequent stress, with averages of over 12 stressed days per month, affecting their overall wellbeing.
Ciphr’s chief people officer, Claire Williams, underscores the importance of employers addressing unrealistic workloads and toxic workplace cultures to mitigate stress. Williams emphasizes the necessity for organizations to prioritize employee wellbeing through empathetic management and by providing supportive resources such as employee assistance programs.
Understanding and mitigating workplace stress is crucial for enhancing employee well-being and productivity.
