Regus survey said over half of UK banking workers on brink of burnout
The festivities are over and workers in the banking sector are returning to high stress levels according to a new Regus report. Over half of the UK’s banking workforce (52%) say they are closer to burning out than they were just five years ago. This level is higher than the UK cross-sector average of 48%, according to the report that canvassed over 3000 of the UK’s business people about their work environment. The top triggers of workplace stress in the banking sector are lack of exercise, feeling understaffed and job insecurity.
However, with the pressure on to find ways of reducing stress, many workers believe one way of easing the tension is a break from the main office – at least some of the time. A significant majority of respondents from the banking sector – 69% – found a change of scenery such as working from another location to be a good stress reliever.
In fact, having the freedom to occasionally work away from the main office is seen as a key factor in achieving a good work-life balance; two thirds (67%) of respondents believe workers that have this flexibility are happier. The experiences of those lucky enough to be able to work flexibly further support this. Over half (60%) say they are more content now that they work outside the main office some of the time.
Similarly, freelance workers also tend to be more relaxed according to the research. 52% of those questioned say that they think freelance workers, with their freedom to change location and set their own hours, are less stressed than regular staff.
Richard Morris, UK CEO at Regus, said: “Stress levels are mounting in the workplace as a result of various factors; workers feel deskbound and under-resourced.
“Dedicated workspaces offer the flexibility to work in a variety of locations. This is the future of work, and brings a number of benefits including improved productivity and employee well-being.”