Study shows firms failing stressed staff

UK businesses are in danger of having their workforces experience burnout, as despite a huge number feeling stressed at work, few bosses are doing anything to help.

For those British adults in employment, work is by far the most common cause of stress (59%). Yet almost one in two (45%) of British businesses do not offer anything to help alleviate this, according to a study of 3,000 UK workers carried out by Perkbox, the UK’s fastest-growing employee benefits platform, as part of the 2018 UK Workplace Stress Report.

This is despite the fact that one in four (25%) struggle to be as productive at work when stressed, and almost the same number find themselves disengaged with work as a result.

Indeed, at least one in 10 (10%) of us will call in sick due to stress, while 7% will look for a new job.

Businesses in the hospitality industry are the least likely to provide any kind of guidance or aid to help employees deal with stress, with as many as 64% of workers in this industry claiming that this is the case.

This was closely followed by the leisure sector – where 63% of businesses are guilty of doing nothing to help.

More than one in two (55%) bosses in transport – where employees experiencing high levels of stress and burn out can be particularly risky – leave employees to manage work stress with no guidance or assistance.

The plumbing and construction (54%), healthcare and education industries (both 45%, respectively) completed the list of the top five sectors which are least likely to see employees offered help or assistance with managing levels of work-related stress.

Chieu Cao, CMO and co-founder at Perkbox, said: “It’s worrying to see how few businesses seem to be considering stress levels within their workforce their problem. And it is particularly ironic to see that almost one in to workers within the healthcare industry say their bosses do not do offer anything to help them alleviate stress levels.

“This can have hugely damaging effects on morale, productivity and sickness absence – all of which ultimately contribute to a company’s overall success – and it is important for bosses to recognise the contribution that work makes to employee stress levels.

“Introducing measures that help to reduce stress or encourage positive coping methods need not be particularly involved or expensive – even free things as simple as introducing flexible working, considering requests to work from home from time to time, or enforcing one-toones with managers, to allow employees to discuss concerns and motivations, can go a long way to help. But ultimately, measures which tackle staff stress headon work best – including gym membership or exercise classes, discounted or complementary counselling and mental health services and even spa vouchers.”

The industries least likely to offer measures to help staff deal with their stress levels are: 1. Hospitality – 64% 2. Leisure industry – 63% 3. Transport – 55% 4. Trades (eg plumbing, construction) – 54% 5. Health and education (joint) – 45%

Perkbox works to help companies increase motivation and engagement among employees, making businesses more inspirational place to work.

The online platform provides access for employees to snap up incentives and rewards, which are earned through their workplace.

perkbox.com

Not helping to alleviate employees’ stress levels can have a “hugely damaging effect”, according to Perkbox.