Reduced resources and extra duties as a result of the economic crisis are causing more than a third of British employees to feel more pressure at work, IOSH has warned, in the run-up to its annual conference.
Publishing the results of a YouGov poll carried out on its behalf last week, the Institution said the worry is now that more people are getting trapped by the pressures of living to work, rather than working to live.
Of the 2000 adults surveyed, 44 per cent overall admitted they were feeling more pressured because of the recession. Regarding specific reasons for this pressure, 37 per cent said it was because of increased responsibilities being imposed on them, and fewer resources available from their organisation. Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) said job insecurity was the biggest contributor to the pressure they felt.
IOSH president, Nattasha Freeman, pointed out that, while pressure can be a positive motivator in some cases, too much prolonged pressure is not good. She said: “Being overly pressured can affect an individual’s efficiency, frustrate teamwork and, on a personal level, it can impact on family life.”
In a message to employers, she added: “There’s lots they can do to help relieve excess pressure and improve the health of their staff — it even pays them to do so. A recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that sickness absence costs £666 per employee per year. Having a health agenda in the workplace really can help workers who feel pressured, and it can help save money in the long run.”
Reiterating the Institution’s warning not to use the recession as an excuse to cut corners on health and safety, Nattasha concluded: “Keeping workers happy, healthy and in work is very important — it can help stop your company from going to the wall.”
The findings come as health and safety professionals from across the world gather in Liverpool for the 2009 IOSH conference and exhibition (Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 March), which will explore a range of pertinent issues, including the health and well-being of workers.
SHPonline will be reporting regularly from the IOSH Conference at the BT Convention Centre — bookmark our INTERFACE SECTION for updates throughout the two days.
