New research(1) conducted by Benenden Healthcare, the mutual healthcare provider, reveals that people working in human resources are the most likely to become ill as a result of work:
19% of the population think they would be less stressed if they changed jobs
Despite having responsibility for the well-being of their company’s employees, many HR executives are forgetting to look after themselves. They top a poll of professions that suffer most from work-related illness, along with those in professional services such as consultants and auditors.
When asked if they often feel exhausted and run down because of work, three-quarters (75%) of those in the legal profession said they did, the highest of any profession surveyed. This contrasts with just over half (53%) of people working in retail jobs who said the same.
| Profession |
Percentage of workers in this industry who become ill as a result of work |
Percentage of workers in this industry who say they get run down because of work |
| Human resources |
29% |
56% |
| Professional services |
29% |
70% |
| Manufacturing |
25% |
72% |
| Finance/ Accountancy |
24% |
68% |
| Managers |
20% |
74% |
| Retail |
18% |
53% |
| Labouring |
15% |
69% |
| Law |
10% |
75% |
| Marketing communications |
10% |
56% |
Overall, the research revealed that nearly two-thirds (65%) of people are run down by their work and nearly a quarter (24%) become ill as a result of work, for example through working too hard. The research also revealed significant discontent with the impact of people’s jobs on their health. Almost a fifth (19%) of people said that they would be sick less often if they moved jobs.
Regionally, Scots were most likely to become ill because of work, with 26% saying so, compared to 21% in the Midlands. However, people in Wales and the South-West were most likely to feel run down from work (70%), compared with 63% in the South-East.
Paul Keenan from Benenden Healthcare said: “This research reveals there are huge numbers of people who get stressed and ill due to their jobs. This is a particular concern in the current economic climate, where people feel under more pressure to work hard and prove their worth to their bosses.
“It is important for employers to take into account the health impact work can have on their employees, and that they ensure their employees get sufficient rest time to recuperate from illness. This in the long run makes employees feel much more valued, and it increases their recovery time.”
“At Benenden we provide corporate healthcare plans that we believe play an important part assisting in the recruitment process and retention of employees and help in reducing rates of absenteeism and stress, through prompt diagnosis and treatment of health problems. “
Benenden offers membership to teachers and education workers, Post Office staff, civil servants, BT and local government authorities’ employees, charity workers and their families. Membership costs just Ј1.25 per person, per week. Additionally, organisations operating in these areas can join Benenden’s corporate plan and offer healthcare as a benefit to staff for just Ј65 per person, per year.
* (1) ICM surveyed 1101 GB adults aged 18+ online between 18th-20th April 2008. Prices correct at time of publication
