Employees in the public sector more prone to stress-related absence

A survey that was conducted by UK company Group Risk Development (GRiD) revealed that the average public sector worker takes about five sick days per year, while just 15.9 percent of employees working at private companies took as many days off, according to Health Insurance and Protection magazine.

Moreover, about 37 percent of the government employees said that stress was their top reason for taking time off, compared to 11.2 percent of private sector workers.

“As well as a significant issue with stress, there are clearly cultural differences between the sectors, and perhaps a less permissive environment amongst private sector workers,” said GRiD spokesperson Katharine Moxham, quoted by the source.

Another article in the Guardian reports that in light of increased levels of stress in the workplace, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has experienced an increased use of their employee wellness program.

Representatives from the school told the news provider that nearly 80 percent of workers who used the program were able to reduce their workplace stress significantly. The RCN also offers free health screenings, stress management workshops and many other initiatives to improve employee wellness.