Media release 03 Big Work Survey reveals UK s workplace trends and bigger problems Nearly two thirds of employees are stressed at work and more than a quarter of bosses believe workplace stress is common Almost 90 per cent of employees have attended work while ill...while more than a quarter have cancelled annual leave due to work Scottish workers are the UK s most stressed and Wales the least Richard Branson voted UK s dream boss Lateness is workers most annoying work habit We are a nation of stressed staff eating lunch al desko as well as working overtime, through holidays and even when we re ill, according to new research. The Big Work Survey of 2,000 UK working adults and 500 senior decision makers across Great Britain found businesses could be storing up bigger problems down the line because 64 per cent of us admit to being stressed at work. The research, conducted by YouGov on behalf of health insurance provider Westfield Health, found 82 per cent of employees had worked over
their contractual hours in the last 12 months and nearly 90 per cent of UK workers have done their job while not feeling their healthy best with three-fifths (59 per cent) admitting they turned up despite being ill because of work commitments. Paul Shires Westfield Health s Executive Director, said: There are certainly positive signs to be found in this survey, with the majority saying we like our jobs and 59 per cent of bosses rating staff health as very important. But it is shocking to hear more than a quarter of workers have cancelled holiday time because of work pressures. Equally, 89 per cent of employees are also guilty of presenteeism when people work even though they are unwell or have short or long-term untreated health conditions. This is increasingly being recognised as a contributor to lost productivity and potential health costs for employers, as a result of staff performing below par, feeling unmotivated or making errors due to illness. Nearly half of us (46 per cent) eat lunch at our desk/place of work and 54 per cent don t take breaks (other than lunch) on a typical day with 29 per cent revealing they have even missed longer breaks by cancelling annual leave because of work commitments. And our colleagues don t always help reduce our stress levels, it seems, with the top three workers annoying habits rated as regular lateness, gossiping and loud talking. Many of the businesses surveyed by Westfield Health and YouGov acknowledge stress as a problem in the workplace, with more than a quarter (26 per cent) saying it is a common pressure. But nearly all (95 per cent) believe workforce health is important to the success of their organisation. Scottish workers are the UK s most stressed workforce, compared with Wales who were the least with just 52 per cent. The top three most stressed areas rank as follows: Scotland: 71 per cent Yorkshire & Humber: 69 per cent North West / West Midlands: 66 per cent According to the findings, Richard Branson would be the ideal dream boss for UK employees and, in reality, nearly half (47 per cent) of employees say their actual employer does not create a fun and healthy environment to work in. One third of senior decisionmakers revealed their business offers flexible working hours while 28 per cent discourage it. Paul said: These findings on flexible working from our Big Work Survey could mean businesses are storing up bigger problems down the line, especially as 50 per cent of the staff who are offered flexible working say it makes them more productive.
The Big Work Survey The following survey results have been gathered as part of Westfield Health and YouGov s Big Work Survey 2013. The survey asked 2,000 UK employees and 500 senior decision makers from businesses across Great Britain a range of questions about working life. 95% 16 % Less than half of senior decision makers said they allow time for staff to attend health appointments of senior decision makers said the health of their workforce is important to the success of their business We asked 500 senior decision makers about common pressures facing their organisation/business. Stress is rated as an issue by more firms (26%) than are concerned about overseas competition/global demand (22%), lack of skills or high labour costs (both 21%) 20 51% of employees said they re not offered flexible working options of senior decision makers recognised ageing workforce as an issue 35% of businesses surveyed offer some form of health insurance 38% 28%discourage of senior decision makers say they encourage flexible working... % of senior decision makers said they didn t provide any employee benefits for their staff however... 98% of this group also said employee health was fairly/ very important to the success of their business it
Further findings from the survey include: Water is the nation s drink of choice in the workplace, followed by coffee and then tea. Of those that find their current job stressful, 47 per cent choose to spend time with their family to unwind after work, while 31 per cent opt for exercise but, worryingly, more than a third (35 per cent) try to counter stress by drinking alcohol and 27 per cent admit to comfort eating. Paul added: Steps to improve worker health can lead to measurable economic benefits which may be greater than the costs associated with sickness absence, as well as boost morale and improve recruitment and retention.
Established in 1919, Westfield Health is one of the UK s most successful and secure not for profit health insurers. Westfield Health s corporate plans, provide cover towards a variety of everyday health care needs as well as access to support services which can include a 24 hour confidential counselling service and advice line. Editor s notes: With almost 37 per cent of the corporate-paid market*, Westfield Health delivers innovative healthcare plans backed by world class customer service** and is a multi award-winning provider. Through a range of flexible and innovative healthcare plans, the Sheffield-based company provides cover for more 400,000 policyholders and over 8,000 companies. For more information, visit www. westfieldhealth.com or follow us on Twitter @westfieldhealth In 2012, Westfield won the Best Health Cash Plan Provider category at the Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts, the Specialist / Innovative Product of the Year category at the 2012 Cover Excellence Awards as well as the Best Cash Plan Provider at the Health Insurance Awards. * A Westfield estimate based on figures from Laing & Buisson Health & Care Cover UK Market Report 2012. ** Institute of Customer Service For more information about Westfield s range of corporate health insurance products, contact a member of our team using the details below: Phone 0845 602 1629 available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday Online westfieldhealth.com