Workplace stress levels rising, study shows

Date: 1st June 2009

Stress levels in the workplace have risen since the onset of the economic downturn, it has been revealed.

A study by management consultancy Investors in People found that a third of all employees are more stressed now than they were a year ago.

The group also suggested that increased instances of tension on a small company's payroll could lead to a major loss in productivity and subsequently damage cashflow.

Chief executive of Investors in People Simon Jones said: "Increased stress in the workplace is associated with reduced productivity.

"Our research suggests that management has so far not addressed the current increase in workplace stress."

Mr Jones added that the longer the issue is neglected, the more it could harm the UK's economy.

Research published by telecoms firm Orange UK last month showed that almost two-thirds of organisations offered some kind of flexible working to their employees.