More than one in three Brits think about quitting their position on a regular basis, according to a new study.
The research, conducted by CABA, suggests that British workers are under a significant workplace strain. The study found that 13 per cent of employees are resorting to pulling a sickie to cope with stress, with the same 13 per cent admitting to feeling stressed at least once a day.
According to the study, employers are overwhelmingly agree that taking a sick day for mental ill health is completely acceptable.
The findings revealed that 94 per cent of HRs believe depression or anxiety is an adequate reason to call in sick, and over 80 per cent believe that workplace stress is also a legitimate reason for a sick day.
However, in contrast, employees didn’t want to admit to taking time off due to workplace pressures and believed it was not an acceptable reason to call in sick. The research showed that only 13 per cent of employees had called in sick due to feelings of stress, with ten per cent admitting that they did not want to face up to their workload.
As a result of the findings, CABA is calling for anyone who is struggling with stress or concerned about a family member or friends to seek advice.
Laura Little, Learning and Development Manager at CABA said, “One in four people experience a mental health issue every year, so it is reassuring to learn that HRs agree stress, depression and anxiety are all valid reasons for employees to call in sick.”
“It’s extremely important for businesses to promote a supportive, non-judgemental ethos to encourage employees to take time off if they need it, and most importantly encouraging conversation if people are struggling.”
“Our research shows that 80 per cent of HRs agree that physical symptoms such as back or joint pain is an acceptable reason to call in sick, so it is a step in the right direction that mental ill health is being recognized in the same way.”
Little concluded, “Mental ill health can have a profound effect on an employee’s ability to do their job.”
“It can affect motivation, performance and relationships at work.”
“The impact can be lessened by taking preventive measures to mitigate the risk of triggering such feelings and by putting support systems into place such as team meetings or one-to-ones.”
“Setting an example from the top gives a clear message that mental health is an integral part of everyone’s wellbeing.”
“We often take physical illness symptoms seriously so it is great to see mental ill health being treated equally, however if employees continue to keep quiet about their worries we will find ourselves in a vicious cycle.”
“Therefore, action is needed to spread the supportive message, to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to stress.”
