Stress at work is the third most common cause of stress among employees

A new study has revealed that stress at work is the third most common cause of stress among UK employees.

Ciphr’s survey of 1,238 adults found that the only two factors more likely to cause stress were lack of sleep and financial problems.

According to the study, 70% of respondents were stressed by some aspect of their job. 37% cited work as their main cause of stress. A similar percentage (35%), cited work pressures.

Nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) are stressed by long or rigid working hours. Other sources of stress include bosses (21%), the workplace culture (20%), and co-workers (19%).

One in five workers (19%) still find commuting stressful, and a similar number (17%) are worried about their job security.

Sending and receiving emails, as well as instant messages and group conversations, was also cited by 16 percent of respondents.

Another trigger that could affect an employee’s productivity and focus was fatigue (40%), financial stress (38%) or family or relationship problems (32%). Stress caused by health issues (27%) or a busy schedule (27%) was also mentioned by more than a quarter of respondents.

Data showed that Generation X workers between 45 and 54 years of age are the most stressed. 80% of women in this group, as well as 75% of men, reported feeling stress from one or more aspects of work.

The average worker is stressed 11 days per month, according to research.

Two out of five employees (42%) below the senior management level say that work is stressful in general. This compares to just one in four senior managers (25%) and leaders.

The research also found that hospitality and event staff are the most stressed, with an average of 15.6 days per month.

Nearly one-fifth (18%) of social care, teaching, and education workers are stressed every day. However, they experience stress on average for 13.1 days and 12.3 days per month.

Engineering and manufacturing are the least stressful occupations, with these workers feeling stressed on average for 7.3 days per month.

Claire Williams, Ciphr’s chief people and operations officers, stated: “Ciphr’s latest research provides interesting, but worrying insights into the high level of stress at work that exists across all job functions.”

“A finding that really stands out to me is that one in nine employees, that’s millions in the UK, feel stressed each and every day. The work is not always the culprit, although it can play a role. If more than 11% of the workforce is constantly stressed, it will have an impact on both their personal and professional lives. Employers need to consider the role they play in reducing stress and anxiety.

Williams emphasized that stress triggers like unrealistic workloads, time pressures, bosses who are overbearing, colleagues who are unsupportive, and toxic work cultures can affect people’s productivity and happiness, as well their job satisfaction and happiness. She also warned that this can lead to higher absenteeism and staff turnover.

Williams said: “Some stressors will always be there, and many things that are out of the control of an employer can still have a negative impact.” There are many things organisations can and should do to support the mental health and well-being of their employees with empathy and understanding.

If people express concerns about their work load or hours, don’t ignore them – change things where you can. It is important to cultivate a culture in the workplace that prioritizes employee well-being. Discussing stress and its effects is encouraged and normalised to identify issues before they escalate. This includes training managers on how to recognize signs of mental distress, and making sure employees are aware of the support available through employee assistance programs and health insurance plans.

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