problems at work
Mental Well-Being at work
The latest research confirms the results of previous surveys: a significant proportion of problems at work, 33%, of the UK workforce, this time in professional positions, suffer from anxiety and depression. These phrases appear to be the “catch all” term for mental distress.
However, the research underlines how appropriate it is that Mental Well-Being is now at the top of the business management agenda for many firms, large and small.
Anxiety in the workplace is perhaps the enemy number one in terms of business performance.
One third of UK professionals suffer from depression or anxiety
Over a third (35.2 percent) of the nation’s workers are suffering from mental health issues e.g anxiety, with four in 10 (42.9 percent) admitting that their job is a key contributor to these feelings. That’s according to the latest research.
Research results
The research reports that employees suffer from a variety of symptoms and causes that result in reduced quality of life:
- 35.2% of the work force suffer from mental health issues and anxiety with 40% reporting that the key reason is workplace pressure;
- 70% say that their mental health and anxiety sometimes affects workplace performance;
- 17.5% say that their anxiety always affects performance at work;
These results underline the legacy that working and management practices survive on a “target led” mentality no matter how unrealistic or the impact on quality of life.
Surely the objective of any business plan is to create a quality of life that is beneficial inside and outside work?
Impact of workplace pressure and anxiety
Anxiety can have a crippling effect on performance in the workplace with staff quoting the following as the source:
- 34.6% doubt their abilities;
- 22.6% say they do not get on with “the boss”;
- 26.6% explain that the work is boring;
- Working alone is fear creating for 17% as working with clients and other staff;
The answer in most workplaces, where the working environment has been tackled, has been to introduce softer spaces, games, relaxation areas etc. While these approaches may help problems at work, the individual may hold underlying assumptions about themselves and others taken from destructive sources that impacts their daily life.
Consequences of problems at work
- 48% dread (yes, dread) going to work;
- 8% say that it causes them to take time off (in a work place of 12 that means that 1 will be taking time off for anxiety related reasons);
- And 7% do not talk to colleagues.
As a counsellor / psychotherapist I would suggest these individuals are in need of support and resolution. The majority of these issues will have been exaggerated by workplace practices but will have been lurking beneath the surface. Improving the working environment will be helpful; improving management practices will be helpful; providing specialist Mental Wellbeing support and advice will be essential.
Troubling thoughts? Easily overwhelmed?
Telephone: 07702 155267
david@cheltenhamcounsellor.co.uk
Cheltenham Counsellor - practicing in Cheltenham and serving Cirencester, Stroud, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Northleach. Within 30 minutes by car.
