Few employers offer stress advice - survey

Just 25 per cent of employers provide advice on managing stress, according to a survey published today.

Just 25 per cent of employers provide advice on managing stress, according to a survey published today.

The research also found only a quarter of employers show concern for their employees mental or physical health.

The study, commissioned by Quinn Healthcare, also found under 30 per cent of respondents believe their employer is proactive in providing information on workplace issues such as eye strain and back problems.

Only 22 per cent of employers provide healthy snacks in the canteen or vending machines, while most people take less than 45 minutes for lunch, with almost 10 per cent taking no lunch break.

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Ten per cent had suffered a work-related illness or injury, but only a very small percentage of workers believed they worked in a “sick” building - one, for example, that was not properly ventilated or had very low ceilings.

Most companies had a health and safety policy, according to the research.

For the survey, research company Millward Brown carried out face-to-face interviews with 1,000 adults around the State.

Sarah O’Neill, an occupational health adviser with Quinn Healthcare, offered advice on a number of steps to reduce stress.

These include a reduction in alcohol intake as this can inhibit sleep, taking regular exercise, arranging work into high and low priorities, discussing conflicting issues with others, and using humour to diffuse stressful situations.

Jason Michael

Jason Michael

Jason Michael is a journalist with The Irish Times