A fifth of respondents unsure how to cope with workplace stress

Just a fifth (22%) of respondents said they have been given official guidance on how to cope with workplace stress, according to research by Canada Life Group Insurance.

The research, which polled 1,607 UK employees, found that over half (52%) of respondents have taken time off sick due to problems caused by their colleagues or their workload.

The research also found:

10% of respondents have called in sick because of perceived bullying in the workplace.
64% of respondents said they have been left without official advice or support on how to handle sexism in the workplace.
70% of respondents said they do not know their employer’s official procedure for dealing with unwanted sexual advances from colleagues, with women more likely to feel unsure (73%) than men (64%).
45% of respondents said they have received guidance on dealing with racism.

Paul Avis, sales and marketing director at Canada Life Group Insurance, said: “It is extremely worrying that so many employees are unsure of how to deal with serious problems in the workplace.

“These issues are not only upsetting and stressful for employees, meaning that they may try to avoid them by calling in sick, but could escalate into potential legal action.† “Employers should ensure that they communicate with employees about how to handle such problems, in order that they feel supported while at work.”