More than half of British workers are making mistakes at work because of stress, while one in four have taken time off sick as a result, according to new research that highlights the growing toll of workplace pressure on productivity and wellbeing.
A survey by health and safety training provider Astutis found that 52.6 per cent of employees admit stress has led them to make errors at work, while 28.5 per cent say they have missed deadlines due to feeling overwhelmed. Almost a third (32.9 per cent) reported clashing with colleagues as a direct result of stress.
The findings come as new figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that 964,000 workers in Britain suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety over the past year, underlining the scale of the issue facing employers.
Astutis’ Workplace Silent Stress Survey 2025, which questioned 553 people across the UK, paints a concerning picture of how stress is quietly undermining performance and workplace relationships. Beyond lost productivity, the report suggests the financial cost to businesses runs into millions of pounds each year through absenteeism, mistakes and staff turnover.
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