One-in-four UK employees have taken time off work in the past 12 months due to stress according new research,
Avillio, which provides productivity and performance coaching services, found these problems also extend to those in management positions. Overall just under 40 per cent of managers said they were stressed on a day-to-day basis in their professional lives, with a third of all employees reporting that they had experienced burnout in the past year.
These stress problems are occurring despite efforts by employers to address employee wellbeing, questioning the effectiveness of some these actions. A total of 58 per cent of respondents said their organisation has initiatives in place to monitor and improve employees’ wellbeing, while a similar number (61 per cent) said their employer cares about their stress and emotional wellbeing of staff.
These problems come against a backdrop of increased employee mobility, with almost three in 10 (28 per cent) employees say they are likely to change jobs between now and the end of 2025.
Avillio CEO Philippe Masson says: “Clearly, there’s a disconnect between the wellbeing initiatives in place and the actual needs of employees. Even though many feel their organisation cares about their stress and emotional wellbeing, rampantly high levels of stress and burnout suggest that current efforts are just not enough.”
He says support needs to go beyond “awareness and tick-box policies”.
“It requires consistent, proactive, evidence-based solutions that effectively reduce stress and foster a healthier workplace. Such a significant proportion of workers taking time off consistently has clear financial implications for businesses and without robust solutions in place, they will continue paying the price. In addition, they risk losing out on top talent – and with so many looking to leave their jobs, it’s clear that retention should be a top priority.”
Masson adds: “Greater levels of support to reduce stress and burnout would strengthen both employee wellbeing and staff retention rates. After all, a healthy and well-functioning workforce cannot be built on good intentions alone, but instead forged through meaningful policies that truly meet employees’ needs.”
