Various reports show that stress among the workers has increased during the economic recession. Nattasha Freeman, the President of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), says that several factors have led to an increase in stress at the workplace such as an increase in workload, a loss of job security and fall in real wages (as wages are decreasing, but the cost of living continues to increase).
Her statement is supported by statistics. Recently, the IOSH asked You Gov to undertake a survey which revealed that the brunt of economic recession is felt by 44% of workers for whom work pressure has increased, with two-thirds of them feeling more insecure about their jobs.
Statistics also reveal that 442,000 people in the UK are of the opinion that stress in the workplace is spoiling their health. Work-related stress, depression or anxiety has been costly as it has led to 3.5 million working days being left unutilised. Work related stress is felt particularly by those who are employed in sectors like public administration, defence, health, finance etc.
According to Freeman, it is important that employers ensure that there is reduced work stress among their employees and give their support to workers to ensure that the work pressure does not cause them harm. Employers need to keep themselves up to date with HR and personnel developments to enhance the working capability of employers by taking accredited CIPD training such as the Certificate in employment relations law and practice courses available from the experts at Workplace Law Training.
Work related stress can have a serious adverse effect on workers by making them lose out on work time. Their health can be severely impacted by this and it is important for men especially to use medical advice and health improvement services to maintain their health. Employers must therefore, be persuaded to take steps to reduce stress in the office.
