Work stress warning
May 21st 2009
Research by insurance firm RSA shows that soaring stress levels due to the economic downturn are causing a significant increase in lost working days. They estimate that over 13,500,000 days alone could be lost due to stress this year at a cost of £673 million to the British economy.
In addition, the insurer warns that failure to consider risks from stress can make workplace accidents more likely. Their survey found that 35% of workers in the manufacturing sector fear they are more likely to have an accident; whilst 28% of workers in the transport sector and 21% of those the leisure sector all report an increased fear of a workplace accident. As a result, RSA are reminding businesses not to overlook stress and to ensure that the right policies and systems are in place to minimise this.
The survey of 2,000 adults reveals that nearly 90% of workers in the London area complained of rising stress levels, while four out of five people in the Midlands, Wales and the South West complained of increasing pressure at work due to the recession. In contrast, workers in the north of England were said to be the least stressed (57%). The survey also found that stress levels in the services sector and manufacturing industry were the highest (90% and 79% respectively).
Phil Bell, group casualty director at RSA, said: "Workplace injuries cost British businesses hugely and many workers fear that stress will make them more likely to have an accident.
"Many people are working longer hours and are over-stressed. This impacts on staff productivity, retention and on people's personal lives. Employers have to take stress, long hours and the likely increase in workplace injuries seriously. All employers have a duty of care to their staff. Good employers recognise this and are taking steps to address this".