These types of workers are the most anxious in their jobs

There's a growing epidemic of employees who are increasingly afflicted by a serious workplace concern

These types of workers are the most anxious in their jobs

There’s a growing epidemic of employees who are increasingly afflicted by a serious workplace concern.

Research from Canada Life Group Insurance has found that staff productivity is being negatively impacted by stress and anxiety. Furthermore, employers are failing to reach out and help their overly-panicked workers.

Three in ten employees admit to feeling anxious because of high workloads, with workers in open plan offices more affected by stress than those who work from home.

One quarter of employees say that their boss doesn’t care about their health, or that fact that their stress is affecting their productivity.

The most anxious employees are those who work in cubicles (37%), followed by open plan offices (32%), closed offices (31%), with the least being staff who work remotely (17%).

Almost half of employees working from home said that they’re not regularly impacted by stress or tiredness. Which begs the question – should your HR department opt for a remote and flexible workforce?

“It is important to keep in mind that not everybody operates in the same way and being flexible with your staff can often mean creating a better working environment and increased engagement,” explained Paul Avis, marketing director of Canada Life Group Insurance.

“For example, flexible working not only has the benefit of improving work-life balance but can also have a positive influence on overall employee health. People want to give their best, but we are all leading increasingly busy and “always-on” lives.

“Allowing employees to fit in time to exercise, drop off and collect their children from school or start or finish earlier or later can make an enormous difference to productivity.

“It also demonstrates that employers care about their staff and are prepared to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to ensure employees work at their best, which can only be a good thing for companies.”

Would you consider letting your staff work from home? Tell us in the comments.

 

Recent articles & video

'Unpaid' worker claims constructive dismissal

Manager wins over $22,000 for unjustified disadvantage, dismissal

How criminal charges impact employment investigations

New Zealand employers ready to pay more for employees with AI skills

Most Read Articles

Recap: Winners of the 2024 HRD Awards New Zealand

Best practice for handling fixed-term agreements in New Zealand

Couple to pay over $94,000 for wage violations