Ensuring a good work-life balance is the most significant cause of stress among employees, according to research by productivity and performance coaching firm Avilio.
Its survey of 1,261 UK workers to understand current levels of stress and burnout, and their causes found that when asked which factors contribute to their stress levels the most, 32% of respondents highlighted managing a good work-life balance, the most selected option above any finance-related factors.
Meanwhile, 23% of respondents said their financial outlook and security contribute most to their stress levels, while 18% cited their job security and 22% said their family’s financial outlook and security.
A fifth (21%) cited the domestic economic outlook and being unable to complete everything they wanted to on any given day as stressful factors, while 19% cited the global economic outlook and 16% said looking at their to-do list.
Just 14% said they found not having time to complete work to the standard they would like, and being unable to meet the expectations of an employer or manager stressful, while 10% cited the impact of artificial intelligence on their job and sector.
Additionally, 36% said they had suffered from burnout, an extreme and persistent form of stress causing physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, in the past 12 months.
Philippe Masson, chief executive officer of Avilio, said: “In an uncertain economic climate and a sustained cost-of-living crisis, you might expect finances to be the most significant cause of stress. Yet our research shows that, even in this context, managing a good-work life balance is still keeping people up at night.
“Many organisations have, for obvious reasons, prioritised financial wellbeing schemes in recent years. However, this research serves as a useful reminder that wellbeing must be seen holistically. Policies such as flexible and hybrid working, and continued open dialogues about the balance of responsibilities at work and at home, can go a long way to boosting worker satisfaction, productivity, engagement and loyalty, all of which have a direct impact on organisations’ return on investment.”
