Workplace stress soars across the globe
58% of companies worldwide have experienced an appreciable rise in their workplace stress over the last two years according to a global survey of over 11,000 corporates undertaken by Regus, the world’s largest supplier of workplace solutions, which this year marks its 11th anniversary in Ireland.
“Ireland has experienced one of the deepest recessions and most rapid rises in unemployment as well as increased income tax levies for those in work, so stress has been a growing issue for Irish workers,” commented Michael Barth, Regus Regional Manager for Ireland, Germany and Nordics.
The major cause of stress according to the Regus Business Tracker is “increased focus on profitability” which is cited by 39% of workers worldwide. However, in countries like the UK and US where the recession has hit jobs hard, “risk of unemployment/business failure” is in the top two factors contributing to stress.
And stress appears to be greater the bigger the company you work in. 65% of employees in larger firms (more than 1,000 employees) have reported higher levels of stress, versus 54% of people in SMEs. Regus believes that this may be due to the fact that the potential for downsizing that is, by definition, greater in larger firms. The threat of redundancy will inevitably lead to more stress and those who remain often find themselves with double the responsibilities but no additional reward.
This is supported by findings from research conducted on behalf of O2 Ireland. Despite the downturn, the vast majority (74%) of senior executives in Irish SMEs said that they feel more secure about working in an SME (Small and Medium Sized Enterprise) than for a big company.
“At a time when firms are fighting to return to growth, we can see why managing stress becomes a crucial issue,” commented Michael Barth of Regus.
He said that one of the most significant factors in reducing employees’ stress levels is helping them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By implementing flexible workplace solutions, employers can offer employees the ability to work in whole or in part from home, have a hot-desk capability in multiple locations, or call on working facilities as needed.
“Many companies have found themselves facing diminishing revenues and a smaller workforce, but with no ability to flex their office cost commitments. Flexible solutions not only shake adherence to rigid commercial leasehold arrangements, but also allow firms to grow with considerably less stress for employee and employer alike.”
