Study shows stress is a growing cause of long-term absence

Stress at work is the most common cause of long-term staff absence for almost one in six employers across the UK, new research has shown.

According to a study conducted by Group Risk Development (GRiD) - a body established in 1998 - mental anxiety represents the most prevalent reason behind time off for sickness in 15 per cent of companies.

Following the global economic downturn, stress has become a bigger problem in many workplaces as employees struggle to cope with the threat of things like redundancy and pay cuts.

And this survey of 500 firms found that it is now a more common cause of lengthy spells away from work than acute medical conditions such as cancer and heart attacks.

Katharine Moxham, spokeswoman for GRiD, commented that such figures "prove how big a problem absence through stress is" and should "provide a timely reminder for businesses to take action over what is often a preventable condition".

Posted by Emily Swanson 

03/11/2011 16:15