More than two-thirds (69%) of respondents believe that the behaviour of managers increases stress in the workplace, according to research by MetLife.
Its survey of 1,211 full-time employees also found that 45% of respondents feel that stress caused by management has resulted in employees within their organisation taking extended time off work.
The research also found:
- 75% of respondents aged between 18 and 24 believe that their bosses have contributed to stress in the workplace.
- 59% of respondents feel that an employee assistance programme (EAP) has helped to improve their health and wellness.
- 76% of respondents who receive free counselling on stress issues via their group income protection benefits believe the services are valuable.
Tom Gaynor (pictured), employee benefits director at MetLife UK, said: “Complaining about your boss is not unusual but clearly when the behaviour of management is increasing stress in the workplace there is an issue to be addressed beyond trivial moaning.
“Some stress is good and of course most people need clear goals and challenges to perform at their best, but when it is causing extended absences action needs to be taken. Managers should be ensuring stress is tackled before it becomes a problem, not contributing to it.”
