The study shows up to one in four people calling a national employee assistance helpline say that workplace stress lies at the root of their problem. Experts at the firm say they have seen first-hand through their Employee Assistance Programme how stress levels have risen alongside greater day-today demands in and out of the workplace. Jayne Carrington, Customer and Propositions Director, said: “Many employees calling us are deeply concerned about the uncertainty around their job prospects and the impact this would have on their family .
“Or they are faced by increasing workloads and targets set by employers who are often expecting staff to do more with less. “The benefits to staff are clear and a healthy and productive workforce means a healthy business and bottom line.” She said stress can lead to poor sleeping habits, ongoing fatigue, low energy levels, low nutrition intake and low levels of physical activity -which could all impact on productivity and an underperforming workforce.
While calling on employers to do more to prevent the problems, Carrington believ es, “Employees do have a responsibility to look at how they can manage their stress, be more , resilient in challenging times and adopt behavioural and l lifestyle changes to reduce any t workplace pressures.” She also adds, “Organisations and indi viduals must work together to recognise both potential and existing problems and take , steps to prevent and manage stress in the workplace.”
