A significant majority of UK employees are contemplating leaving their jobs due to high stress levels.
- Stress has become almost as crucial as salary in influencing job resignations, with 78% of employees expressing willingness to quit over stress.
- Inadequate mental health support in workplaces is exacerbating employees’ stress issues, according to recent research.
- Many employees see potential in health and wellbeing schemes to improve their work experience and reduce stress.
- Employer engagement in creating supportive environments could improve employee retention and reduce work-related illness.
Stress in the workplace is increasingly influencing job resignation decisions among UK employees, with recent data indicating that 78% are willing to consider leaving their positions due to high stress. This issue has almost equalled salary as a primary factor in resignation choices, highlighting the urgent need for employers to address workplace stress effectively.
Current research, conducted by WPI Economics, suggests that workplace stress has become a critical factor in employee turnover. It is noted that stress not only prompts employees to seek new opportunities but also contributes significantly to the nation’s economic challenges. In 2023, the UK lost approximately 17.1 million working days to stress-related conditions including depression and anxiety. Such statistics underscore the need for comprehensive stress management strategies within organisations.
Alarmingly, less than half of the employees surveyed believe their employers offer sufficient mental health support. Effective practices and services to combat stress are lacking, indicating that many workplaces are unprepared to tackle this pervasive issue adequately. This gap in support can further drive employees towards seeking alternative employment where their mental health needs are better catered to.
However, there is a silver lining. Many employees acknowledge that the introduction of health and wellbeing programmes could positively influence their decision to remain with their current employer. About 57% of employees expressed that such initiatives would make a significant difference, presenting an opportunity for companies to bolster employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Supporting evidence from Help@hand, a health and wellbeing app, reveals that stress, anxiety, and depression accounted for a substantial portion of mental health appointments last year. Liz Walker, COO at Unum UK, emphasises the importance of proactive measures, stating that addressing workplace stress through high-quality mental health services could foster a healthier and more productive workforce.
A proactive approach by employers in managing workplace stress is essential for improving employee retention and wellbeing.
