NHS staff are under immense pressure and feel “taken for granted” during the festive season

According to a new study by NHS Charities Together, 72% of UK adults believe that NHS staff have the hardest job during the holiday season. However, NHS workers say they feel taken for granted.

Many NHS workers feel undervalued and overwhelmed despite the public’s awareness of the challenges that the festive season presents. In a survey of 500 NHS workers, over half (51%) said that December was the most stressful time for them. Stress is increased by factors like an increase in demand for care, flu cases and shortages of staff.

In a survey of healthcare professionals, 62 per cent said that they felt taken for granted and 25 per cent believed their efforts were not appreciated. During the holiday season, the human toll of working for the NHS is staggering. 60 percent of employees will miss their personal events and 54 percent expect to work extra shifts in order to cover absent colleagues.

Causes of stress among NHS workers

Staff shortages were identified as the top cause of stress among NHS employees. 31 percent named it their number one concern. Staff sickness (15%), seasonal illness (13%), and abusive behavior from patients (10%) are also significant stressors.

Many NHS workers turn to support services to cope with these pressures. Three out of 10 NHS workers (31%) say they are likely to turn to support services such as helplines, counseling, and free or subsidised exercise programmes.

Ellie Orton, OBE, CEO NHS Charities Together said: “Our latest study reveals that, while the majority of UK citizens are winding down their workdays and making social plans, hardworking NHS workers are preparing themselves for yet another stressful winter.

The NHS has been identified as the most stress-inducing job in December. Staff shortages, illness among patients and staff and abusive patients were all mentioned as possible factors. Data also revealed that only 1 in 5 UK adults plan to look after themselves during December by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

We’re encouraging the public to support our wonderful NHS and take care of themselves by supporting our Winter Appeal. The NHS faces another difficult December. We fund wellbeing support, such as counselling, helplines and gym equipment, which is vital for staff.