Stress is still the biggest workplace worry

News | HSW
01.12.2006

New TUC research finds that stress is still the biggest health problem facing most employers. Sixty-one per cent of union safety representatives  questioned for the TUC's 2006 biennial safety reps survey reported that stress is their most pressing concern at work, compared with 58% of reps in 2004 and 56% in 2002.

The larger the organisation, the greater the problem, according to the report. The top causes of stress cited by the 3,339 reps polled were excessive workloads, cuts in staffing levels, rapid change, long hours and bullying.

London has the greatest proportion of stressed workplaces the survey finds (67% of safety reps in the capital placed stress top of their  hazards lists), closely followed by the North West, where 65% said it was their biggest problem.

"People who suffer from stress aren't wimps," argued TUC general secretary Breandan Barber "and their symptoms can make them really ill. Stressed-out employees are more likely to experience weight  loss, high blood pressure, depression and even heart attacks."

The survey results were published to coincide with national Stress Awareness Day on 31 October.

Another survey by recruitment website Monster found that 21% of workers rely on smoking as their primary means of stress relief. The finding raises the prospect of further  hikes in stress levels when smoking is banned in public places next summer.

Another 28% of the 1664 respondents said exercise is their main stress buster and a further 21% said they let off steam by going out with friends.