Workplace stress - Work pressures taking toll on staff

Stressed employees work less productively than their counterparts and high levels of stress among employees can be a serious threat to broker businesses that, by nature, are reliant on the impression given out by their employees.

The third annual skills survey - published by the Chartered Insurance Institute in May - revealed that 26% of employees in the insurance and financial services sectors feared losing their jobs.

According to a Norwich Union Healthcare study, relentless pressure on businesses means that employees are working harder than ever. More than half of those surveyed (55%) are going into work ill, working longer hours (48%), skipping lunch breaks (37%), or offering to take on more responsibility (33%) in order to increase their job security. According to the study, these adjustments have left almost half of workers suffering insomnia (46%), migraines (33%), or anxiety attacks and palpitations (21%).

Increasing liability

The study also emphasised that, as more of Britain's employees suffer from stress, workplace accidents could soar. This could easily lead to an increase in employer liability claims. Companies could also find themselves in breach of Health and Safety requirements if they do not take steps to mitigate stress factors.

Dr Douglas Wright, head of clinical governance at Norwich Union Healthcare, said: "This is an alarming diagnosis for the future economic health of the country's businesses and a very clear signal that employers and government must work together with the UK's workforce on occupational health."

He continued: "The government already offers tax concessions on health screenings. There are cost-effective steps for workers and employers - employees by using diet and exercise to protect their wellbeing and, for employers, by utilising stress audits, manager training and Employee Assistance Programmes - to help manage mental wellbeing as well as provide advice on areas such as financial worries, debt and redundancy."

Government assistance is also available for training programmes. The government-funded Apprentice Scheme covers professional qualifications that enable employers that need to cut back on costs to continue staff training. The CII's annual skills survey raised concerns that, while the industry continues to be concerned about the basic skills of new recruits, 64% have cut back on staff training already.

David Thomson, CII director of policy and public affairs, said: "Employers and employees alike realise the importance of investing in training and development despite the recession. Cutting training is a dangerous and false economy; 'who trains wins' still holds true.

"Despite current economic problems, it is important that we continue to focus on long-term skills goals. Though it is necessary to deal with particular short-term issues as a result of the recession, we must strive for improvements well into the future."

Apprenticeship schemes

As employees, apprentices work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off-the-job apprentices - that work on a day-release basis ordinarily - receive training from a local provider such as a college that is funded by the Learning Standards Council.

If the apprentice is aged between 16 and 18, the government funds the training costs of an apprenticeship. Where the apprentice is 19 or over, employers are expected to make a contribution towards the cost of training.

The length of the apprenticeship will depend on the requirement of the employer but must last between 12 and 36 months. According to the National Apprenticeship Service, the current rate of full achievement for apprentices stands at 63%.

For more information on how to take on an apprentice, go to apprenticeships.org.uk.