With staff absence costing employers £13bn per year businesses have been urged to do more to reduce stress in the workplace.
The findings, part of Legal and General’s Health Uncovered research, show that 33% of workers in the UK are worried about their health due to stress caused by their daily routine. Nearly a quarter of the 2,000 adults questioned are also generally stressed at work, while 20% admitted to working too many hours and 23% said they never take a break during work.
Vanessa Sallows, underwriting and benefits director for Legal & General's Group Protection business said: “Staff absence can have a major impact to a company’s bottom line.”
Sallows said that with early intervention to support absent employees, though initiatives such as career planning and stress management, most employees can be eased back into work.
This comes after the release of government figures that show 250,00 Britons have claimed £600m in incapacity benefits for stress related illnesses.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
