New report finds that 58% of employees suffer from stress because of work
A new report from intranet experts Oak Engage has revealed that 58% of workers have suffered physical or mental stress at work in the past two years.
Their Mental Health in the Workplace report launched this week in partnership with suicide prevention charity, If U Care Share. It examines areas linked to poor mental health at work with stats across 9 different industries and contributions from 5 experts.
Key findings from the report are:
- 39% of respondents have suffered anxiety, stress or depression as a result of contradicting beliefs with their employer
- 67% of healthcare workers feel like their role has significant purpose, whilst this figure is just 20% in retail & hospitality
- In IT & Education, pressure/expectation was the main driver of burnout (33%)
- 50% of remote workers feel more isolated working from home
David Brown, Training & Development Manager at If U Care Share, said: “The report highlights there are very specific disparities within particular industries. Our experiences can vary greatly and yet the emotional impact can still be significant.
“The survey also highlights to employers where there are opportunities to do more, or work differently, to promote honesty and authenticity. To create a space and a culture where people can reach out when needed.”
Whilst highlighting issues on purpose, burnout, moral injury and remote working, the report also provides practical recommendations on how to beat stress in the workplace.
On purpose at work: Open, individual and regular feedback between manager and employee to realign purpose. “The answer to this (purpose) will be different for every person. Managers have to speak to every employee to understand this.” Matt Heller, Founder of Performance Optimist
On burnout: Creating spaces for employees to switch off from work, such virtual communal areas to talk about outside interests are crucial to avoiding burnout. “We now know what happens when all fun, social life, travel, and recreational activities are shut down. It affects mental health and that affects output.” Joe Robinson, expert on work-life balance and stress management
On moral injury: Ensure that your internal comms are transparent, consistent and do not allow opportunity for dissemination- even in the face of a moral crisis. “As an organisation, be prepared to acknowledge and learn from mistakes. Align external and internal narrative and openly take action to prevent future transgressions occurring.” Cara De Lange, CEO of Softer Success
On the impact of remote working: Recognise that no working arrangement is a ‘one size fits all’- regularly consult with employees and be adaptable. “Conduct regular check-ins. If people are working in a new way, they and you won’t truly know the pitfalls that are in their way or causing them stress. ‘Is this hybrid/fully remote arrangement working for you?’. If not, you reevaluate to see how you can make it better.” Matt Heller, Founder of Performance Optimist
It is hoped that the 30-page report will alert business leaders to issues they may not have recognised and provide tangible solutions to create happier, more productive workforces.
Will Murray, CEO of Oak Engage, said: “Conversations around workplace mental health are not straightforward and it’s important that we recognise this.
“By looking in-depth at all the potential drivers and how they affect workers in certain industries, we can begin to have frank conversations about how businesses can best combat the issues that are pertinent to them. This is something the report covers in detail.”
“The technology that internal communicators have at their fingertips is currently not fit for purpose and that's why they’re looking for new ways to engage with their employees. Ways of working will continue to evolve and with the added pressure of external factors, employees can feel anxious, stressed, and burnt out. Products like Oak Engage’s intranet can help businesses connect with their people, have more open conversations and promote wellbeing, giving everyone a voice at a time when they need it most.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues, have been affected by suicide or are interested in If U Care training services, visit their website.
Download the full Mental Health in the Workplace Report here.
ENDS
Note to Editors
For more information contact:
Emma Williamson | PR & Partnerships Manager | 07842310340
About Oak Engage
Oak Engage's software platform combines traditional intranet functionality with next-generation employee communication application capabilities. It empowers internal comms teams to create and deliver curated content streams to distributed and diverse employee-bases, getting the right information to the right people at the right time to enable and encourage the desired behaviours and actions.
Our digital workspace and employee collaboration solution minimises the risks of information overload and comms fatigue by using contextual filters and intelligent routing algorithms to maximise relevance and resonance for every recipient. Facilitating communities and peer-to-peer recognition, it supports meaningful dialogues that foster a sense of belonging and help drive cultural and process change.
Oak Engage have been helping employers engage and connect with their employees for nearly 25 year and are trusted by the world's biggest bands including Aldi, Five Guys and ITV and NatWest Group to name a few.
