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Are we all “dangerously stressed”?

The stress of working long hours, overtime and incompetent colleagues is affecting the health of 40% of office workers.

On top this, staff burnout is common in 30% of companies – but of the 2,000 workers surveyed in a new study, not many are aware of their high stress levels, The Daily Mail reported.

Research conducted by Viking and Robert Half, which questioned workers and HR directors from private companies, the police and the NHS, found those who work unpaid overtime or are asked to meet unachievable expectations are more likely to reach breaking point.

Around 40% of full-time office workers are “dangerously stressed” because of this, the survey stated.

“Employee burnout can affect almost any professional, from top boss to rank and file employee,” said Phil Sheridan of Robert Half.

“Many employees who have been tackling increased workloads while putting in long hours are beginning to lose their motivation at work and this is particularly challenging for accounting teams as they prepare for fiscal year-end.”

The survey found 67% of HR directors believe workload is the primary reason for burnout, with 56% also attributing it to long hours.

Almost half (45%) said they were reviewing job functions and 34% said they were providing flexible working options to combat the stress problems.

Around half of HR directors believe high stress levels and burnout can be prevented by promoting a teamwork-based environment in the office.

Burnout warning signs:

- Drinking an excessive amount of caffeine to cope with longer hours

- Losing an interest in your personal appearance.

- Frequent sick days

- Frequently arriving late to work

- Having emotional outbursts or reacting more aggressively towards colleagues.

- Becoming withdrawn from colleagues

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