British business owners are some of the least stressed in the world, a new global study has found.
The study, conducted by business advisers at Grant Thornton, found that just over a third of UK business leaders reported greater stress levels than a year ago, compared with a global average of 56% and an EU average of 43%.
However, according to Alysoun Stewart, head of Grant Thornton’s Strategic Services Group, it’s important to put these figures into perspective.
“Stress is a multibillion pound drain on the UK economy each year. To have 37% of business owners reporting an increase in their stress levels is still a significant proportion.
“If we can minimise stress caused purely through negative, ingrained workplace habits, it will have significant benefits for business productivity, and the economy as a whole.”
Conversely, the most stressed business owners were found in mainland China, where more than 84% felt that they were under more pressure than they were this time last year.
Business leaders in emerging economies are also putting in longer hours than those in the UK, the survey found. Indian and Argentine business owners are working 57 hours a week on average, compared to 49 in the UK.
What’s more, perhaps surprisingly given the much derided 35-hour working week, business leaders in France are actually working one hour more each week than their British counterparts.
“If French workers continue the trend set by business owners, and under Sarkozy they very well may, UK businesses with French competitors should be prepared for a greater challenge from across the Channel in coming years,” concluded Stewart.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
