According to a recent Samaritans’ survey conducted by Tickbox.net:
"A third of UK workers cannot get to sleep at night, through anxiety, and three-quarters don’t ‘switch off’ when they leave the office. The research also showed that the most stressed employment sector was those working in the financial sector.
Stress in the workplace is frequently cited as the number one issue affecting staff productivity. A report from consultancy firm Woodrow Wyatt showed that 72% of employees identified stress as their major concern."
Following National Ban Bullying at Work Day, the Samaritans is asking employers to get involved in Stress Down Day on 1 February 2008 to raise the awareness of the effects of stress in the workplace and encourage people to take better care of their emotional well-being....
A spokesperson for the charity says:
"It's a day when we aim to raise as much money as possible, while having fun, enabling Samaritans to continue providing our 24-hour emotional support service."
Please encourage your employers and colleagues to take part in Stress Down Day. Go to: www.stressdownday.org
Dr Chad Varah, founder, of the Samaritans recently passed away aged 95 on Thursday 8 November 2007. Dr Rowan Williams, The Archbishop of Canterbury, paid tribute:
"Chad Varah's instinct that a listening and sympathetic ear could make a difference has proved to be enormously important to those who felt alone and with nowhere to turn to. His vision and energy in the foundation of the Samaritans and its subsequent development is a legacy that stretches far beyond the church and far beyond these shores; one that will continue to bring help to those who 'just need someone to talk to'. He will be greatly missed."
Comments (5)
Posted by Steve Miller | November 19, 2007 2:25 PM
I am often sceptical of these kind of surveys. I think we are all inclined to express we get stressed from time to time as it is the right thing to say.
The key is to educate employees to understand the signs of stress and offer them a tool kit on how to let go of stress.
I know I sound a bit of a cynic but we Brits do seem to moan a bit don't we? Goodness knows how we would cope if we were to work in the States where one only receives 3 weeks annual leave.
Posted on November 19, 2007 14:25
Posted by lisa | November 20, 2007 5:43 PM
I think that flexible working helps. If you are stressed and find it hard to sleep due to work anxiety and then finally fall into a deep slumber an hour before the alarm goes off, it helps if you know that if you get into work late and can work late you won't be in trouble because you've still done your contracted hours
Posted on November 20, 2007 17:43
Posted by Katy | November 21, 2007 11:56 AM
I think the findings of the Samaritan's survey are very worrying indeed. It does not surprise me one bit that so many people are suffering from stress. Not only are we increasingly being expected to take on more and more work nowadays, but we are also being expected to take up the slack for people on holiday, on sick leave, on maternity/paternity leave, people working flexibly etc. And for many people, they also have the added pressure of also having to look after a family too. This is especially the case for working mums and dads. We are expected to be dedicated workaholics and super-parents all at the same time. It's no wonder that cracks begin to appear and stress rears it's ugly head. Employees need more understanding and support from their employers, and not more pressure and increased workloads.
Posted on November 21, 2007 11:56
Posted by Martin | November 21, 2007 12:24 PM
I believe there is far too much emphasis on keeping a stiff upper lip in this country. We are not very good at dealing with these sorts of emotional issues, and seem far better at sweeping it all under the carpet.
Admitting to suffering from conditions such as stress is often perceived as a sign of weakness, or an excuse to cover an inability to cope with the regular pressures and demands of everyday work. But failing to bring it under control not only has dire implications for staff productivity, but also - and more importantly - for their health.
Any campaign that seeks to raise awareness of these kinds of issues is to be commended. It's high time that employers start to take stress seriously, and play their part to eradicate it from the workplace.
Posted on November 21, 2007 12:24
Posted by Steve Miller | November 22, 2007 6:51 AM
Martin, Lisa, Katy - the comments you make are reasonable points but I do think you have to remember that we have a country to run.
People do have time off to rest. It is called annual leave. I have no problem with flexible working but please can we remember that the business needs to operate and make profit otherwise we will end up making people redundant.
I do wish HR people would shout the cause of business as well as supporting the individual. Yes stress is an issue for many people but I also believe that we are living in an ever growing culture that encourages employees to shout the word stress far too frequently so thay can take time off and be handed lighter duties.
A balanced people / commercial focused approach is needed.
Posted on November 22, 2007 06:51