Almost three-quarters (71%) of workers believe their employer does not take stress seriously, according to research.
A survey of 2,500 staff by law firm Peninsula found that staff were worried to tell their boss they were suffering from stress as they thought it could result in a loss of pay or even their job.
More than 80% of employees said they would not take time off work through stress for fear of losing pay or their job.
Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula, said employees would not put up with employers who ignored their stress levels forever.
“Employers who ignore stress in the workplace are liable to be taken to a tribunal by employees,” he said. “Employers who turn a blind eye to stress are not conforming to legislation requirements and are breaking the law.”
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The poll also found:
- 79% of stress-ridden workers feel frustrated that they have nobody to confide in at work
- 71% respondents say work-related stress has a negative impact on their personal life
- 79% believe they do not get paid enough to deal with the amount of stress and responsibility they undertake in their job
Done recommended that employers ensure there is a clear line of communication from staff to managers so they can express their needs, difficulties and expectations before the problem becomes substantial.
