​The healthcare sector is in the top five UK industries least likely to offer help employees manage levels of work-related stress.​

That's according to a new survey that suggests workforces are in danger of burnout with few bosses doing anything to help.

For those British adults in employment, work is by far the most common cause of stress (59%). Yet almost one in two (45%) of British businesses do not offer anything to help alleviate this, according to a study of 3,000 UK workers carried out by Perkbox, the UK’s fastest growing employee benefits platform.

The findings form part of the 2018 UK Workplace Stress Report.

One in 4 (25%) struggle to be as productive at work when stressed, and almost the same number find themselves disengaged with work as a result.

Indeed, at least 1 in 10 (10%) of us will call in sick due to stress, while 7% will look for a new job.

The hospitality and leisure sector, the transport industry, plumbing and construction and healthcare and education industries are the sectors where workers are least likely to be offered help or assistance with managing levels of work-related stress.

Chieu Cao, CMO & Co-Founder at Perkbox, said: 'It’s worrying to see how few businesses seem to be considering stress levels within their workforce their problem. And it is particularly ironic to see that almost 1 in 2 workers within the healthcare industry say their bosses do not do offer anything to help them alleviate stress levels.

'This can have hugely damaging effects on morale, productivity and sickness absence – all of which ultimately contribute to a company’s overall success - and it is important for bosses to recognise the contribution that work makes to employee stress levels.

'Introducing measures that help to reduce stress or encourage positive coping methods need not be particularly involved or expensive – even free things as simple as introducing flexible working, considering requests to work from home from time to time, or enforcing 1-2-1s with managers, to allow employees to discuss concerns and motivations, can go a long way to help.

'But ultimately, measures that tackle staff stress head-on work best – including gym membership or exercise classes, discounted or complimentary counselling and mental health services and even spa vouchers.”

To find out more, click here to view or download the 2018 UK Workplace Stress Report.

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