Pleasanteeism is on the rise among finance workers, with 79 per cent admitting to putting on a brave face at work, up from 58 per cent in May 2021, according to research from Lime Global, health and wellbeing solutions provider.
Pleasanteeism is the pressure to put on a brave face, and it is on the rise in the UK, according to research. It’s up 21 percentage points since May 2021, when 58 per cent of finance workers admitted to being affected by this condition.
According to the findings, two-thirds of employees, or 66 per cent, have taken time off work because they feel obligated to put on a brave face. Finance workers take 3.02 days off per year on average. Pleasanteeism could account for as many as 67 million days lost each year across the entire UK workforce.
Workers also revealed that having to put on a brave face at work affects their ability to do their job effectively, with 23 per cent of those in the finance industry admitting to being unable to concentrate at work or having an unproductive day.
The cost of living and workplace stress are two major factors that contribute to absenteeism.
29 per cent admit to being stressed at work, while 28 per cent are concerned about money and the rising cost of living, and 21 per cent are concerned about their family and loved ones’ mental health.
Over half of finance workers or 52 per cent said their expectations of their employer to support their mental health are higher now than before the pandemic, but they don’t expect this support to be extended to all employees. According to the survey, 59 per cent of finance workers believe benefits should be available to the entire workforce, not just a select few, and 40 per cent believe it is unfair that healthcare and wellness benefits are not currently available to the entire workforce in their company.
Finance employees said they would appreciate small changes from their boss, such as more flexible working hours and mental health days off. Others expressed a desire for their employer to be more considerate of their workload and work/life balance.
Lime Global CEO & founder Shaun Williams says: “After two years of stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, concerns over health and wellbeing are understandably on the rise for finance workers. It’s therefore vital that companies act to offer each one of their employees as much support as possible. Not only is it the right thing to do, but amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty, low productivity and staff shortages, it will be crucial to help drive down absenteeism and protect businesses’ bottom lines.
“Providing access to inclusive healthcare benefits – that are designed to make a tangible impact – combined with a company culture that supports an open dialogue around the challenges that people are facing, are key steps to producing a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.”
HealthHero medical director Dr Ben Littlewood-Hillsdon says: “No one’s health or resilience should be taken for granted, particularly during difficult periods such as these. Acting to prioritise our own wellbeing and that of our colleagues, doesn’t always require a lot of work – the first step is to create space to have an open conversation, ask questions and make it clear that there will be no negative repercussions from talking about the challenges people are facing.
Everyone’s health and resilience are equally important, employers really will reap the rewards if they take time to consider and support the wellbeing of each member of their team, that’s the key to building a stronger and more successful UK workforce.”
