Stressed employees are less productive and take more sick days, according to professional services provider Towers Watson.
A poll of more than 22,000 workers in 12 countries into workplace stress found that disengagement significantly increased when employees experienced high stress levels.
Key data
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57% of employees who say they experience high stress levels say they feel disengaged from work |
53% say lack of staff is the biggest cause of stress |
Stressed workers are 50% more likely to turn up for work when feeling unwell and unproductive – this is known as “presenteeism” |
Only 15% of senior managers acknowledge there is a problem with stress in the workplace |
34% of employers think technology that makes work available in the home is the main cause of stress amongst staff, compared to just 8% of employees |
Additional facts
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Only one in ten employees surveyed who had low stress levels said they felt disengaged
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“Highly stressed” employees take an average of 4.6 sick days per year, compared to 2.6 days for those reporting low stress levels
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Lack of staff fuels absence levels, thus leading to more stress
- Educating staff about health and controlling the work-life balance leads to a more healthy & productive workforce
The study formed part of the Global Benefits Attitudes Survey conducted by Towers Watson. The findings are the result of poll of 22,347 employees in 12 countries, including 2,030 in the UK, representing all job levels and major industry sectors. You can find more information here.
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