Workers' stress levels are increasing as the financial crisis deepens, according to research which may interest business insurance customers.
LearnHR found that nearly half of the 2,000 employees it surveyed said they felt more stressed than last year, while 20 per cent anticipated taking time off for stress-related illness next year, according to PersonnelToday.
Productivity levels and efficiency has also dropped as a result, 20 per cent of respondents said.
Christine Tebbutt, education director at LearnHR, told the news provider the problems faced by business insurance customers across the country are being increased by higher stress levels among staff.
"It is vital that businesses recognise the role that HR and personnel departments play in rebuilding confidence and maintaining a productive workforce," she added.
Ms Tebbutt also commented that business insurance customers need their staff to be working to their full potential "more than ever".
The Chartered Management Institute said last week that employers should be taking time to show their staff that they appreciate the hard work they have put in during the year.
