Irish Workplace Stress On The Increase

Monday, 18 October 2010 15:52

Written by Noel Cotter

According to new national research, 40% of Irish people said that they themselves, a family member, friend or colleague have had to take time off work due to stress in the last 12 months.

This stress has also led to reduced working hours, demotions at work and even job losses.

Over half (51%) of those surveyed agreed that they feel more stressed now than they did 12 months ago, while 58% said that they couldn’t afford to seek professional help to deal with stress.

The nationwide survey was conducted by Empathy Research on behalf of HSF Health Plan, to coincide with the launch of a new stress counselling helpline free for its contributors. The research looked at the adverse effects of stress on Irish people and how they deal with it.

Commenting on the research, business psychologist, Dr Joe Mac Aree said: “The research shows that talking to someone is the most common approach to dealing with stress. Most people talk to family and friends while others talk to a confidential independent person. However, while 74% of the respondents said that talking confidentially to an independent person would help to deal with stress, most said that they couldn’t afford to seek professional help. The survey highlights the need for increased awareness on how people suffering from stress might access low or no cost advice options available to them.”

Amongst those directly or indirectly affected by stress two thirds said that health issues had developed as result. These health issues are most common among those aged 35-44 (71%), female (71%) and those living in the rest of Leinster (70%). Although those aged 35-44 appear to be more stressed than 18-24 year olds, they also appear to have better coping mechanisms than their younger counterparts.

Roy Smith, HSF Health Plan said: “We hope that the introduction of our new stress counselling helpline for our contributors will help to promote a positive proactive approach to dealing with stress, without adding any further financial worry.”

The Stress Counselling helpline from HSF Health Plan is available 24/7 all year round and is free to all its contributors. The Helpline is completely confidential and staffed by nurse counsellors who provide counselling as well as advice and information on methods used for combating stress.