This week ‘most stressful of the year’ for workers

This weekend will see the greatest number of UK workers embarking on their summer holidays, leaving colleagues back in the office facing the most stressful period of the corporate calendar.

Research conducted amongst over 2,000 workers by Sovereign Healthcare found that just under a third (29%) suffer from increased stress when their colleagues are on holiday. Covering annual leave took second place in the professional pressure league; only the prospect of facing redundancy was cited as more stressful (38%).

When compared to periods of personal stress, colleagues being on leave was noted as causing a greater strain than a relationship breakdown or divorce and moving home.

The research also found that 51% of respondents are already feeling more stressed at work than a year ago, and that 60% believe their employer is providing minimal or less than the legal requirement of support in the workplace.

Russ Piper, Chief Executive of Sovereign Health Care, commented:

“Stress is a complex issue which can manifest itself in different ways, making it difficult for managers to identify and manage in the workplace. However a failure to do so could lead to employees developing further health problems and having to take time off work, which can cause remaining staff even more stress."

He added:

“This time of year is naturally more hectic with parents preparing for the schools breaking up and juggling childcare, and businesses having to manage the increasing number of people taking leave. Therefore it’s even more important that employers step up the wellbeing support they provide for employees to try and help ease some of the additional burden.”