Young British workers feeling stressed at work

Employment Law & HR update 09/06/2011

According to new research from GfK NOP Engage, a large number of young British workers are suffering from the effects of stress.

The research firm revealed that over 2.4 million workers aged between 18 and 29 in the UK were feeling stressed and felt under pressure from their bosses due to the financial climate.

The study – which was carried out as part of a global report questioning 30,000 workers across 29 countries – found that two-fifths of young British workers felt either 'frequently' or 'always' stressed at work.

This was compared to just one in four workers aged 60 or over. The younger staff members attributed the feelings of stress to pressure to work long hours and a lack of resources with which to do their job.

Director at GfK NOP Engage, Sukhi Ghataore, said, “Businesses that view young staff as cheap and expendable may well come to count the cost.

"In the UK, we have a recognised ageing population and so the younger generations are becoming exponentially more important in the workplace, as well as to the nation – they are not only companies’ future talent, but also represent the future financial stability of Britain.

It is therefore crucial that they are nurtured, to encourage maximum productivity and retention," she added.