More than 1 in 2 workers in the construction and plumbing industries are reportedly failing to relieve stress outside of work, according to research by Obby.co.uk.
A survey of 1,015 UK adults in employment, revealed that workers in the trades were amongst the worst in the UK at actually taking the time to relieve stress, with 51% admitting they do ‘little or nothing’ to manage stress levels.
Trades workers were only topped by those in professional services such as law and accountancy as well as education and healthcare with 58%, 55% and 53% of staff in these sectors respectively doing nothing to relieve stress.
For the overwhelming majority of trade workers who claimed this was the case, it is a lack of free time that was reported as being the biggest obstacle at 72%.
With the average Brit working a 40.2-hour week, by failing to include time to decompress from this daily grind means the nation’s workforce could be damaged further. As many as 48% of the UK workforce, was reported as being guilty of not taking steps to manage these stress levels.
For 1 in 3 in this industry, money was the main reason post-work stress relieving activities were not pursued. Of those who did regularly take measures to reduce work-based stress, it was exercise and sport that topped the poll of most popular stress-busting activities. 44% also found relief from a physical outlet, while enjoying personal interests and hobbies came a close second (39%). Meanwhile, 35% said they turned to spending time with friends and family to relax them.
Tom Batting, Co-Founder at Obby.co.uk, said: “It’s extremely worrying how many workers within the trades sectors, such as construction and plumbing, claim they do not prioritise getting the stress relief that is so important for maintaining their mental health. The irony is that this can actually become a vicious cycle – if we don’t make time for stress relief, this can lead to becoming more stressed or even burnout, both of which can reduce productivity further.
“It’s in the managers and bosses’ interests to ensure that employees actually do take measures to manage their stress levels – whether that’s communicating how important this is, allowing them flexi-time so that they can attend whatever activity it is that they do to relieve stress, or even providing classes or workshops for their workforce.”
Tom continued: “As well as reducing stress, this can positively impact on employees’ focus, concentration and efficiency in the workplace. We see this time and again – employers who provide workers with healthy and stress-busting ‘perks’ like yoga, meditation or even arts and craft workshops reap the rewards in a more productive – and satisfied – workforce.”
