A recent survey by Croner has found that almost half of adult workers questioned feel more or much more stressed than they did a year ago.
Key factors contributing to rising stress levels include:
- higher unpaid workloads (57%),
- performance pressures (45%),
- the need to work longer hours (34%), and
- the imposition of pay freezes (33%).
Amy Paxton, a senior employment consultant at Croner, said: "The fact that 48% of the workers we surveyed say they are more stressed as a result of work than a year ago should be a real wake-up call for employers. At a time when many industries are under such pressure to keep their heads above water, or even survive, employers cannot afford to have such high levels of stress and the associated difficulties it can cause in their organisations."
She went on to say that: "Stress can be reduced by improving working conditions, restructuring jobs and allowing more flexible working arrangements. A supportive work ethos and a climate in which staff are encouraged to openly discuss their concerns can also help.”