Industry SectorsFinancial ServicesFinancial professionals struggle to find time to combat stress

Financial professionals struggle to find time to combat stress

Workers in the financial services industry are among those who suffer from stress the most, but face difficulties in finding the time to unwind, a new survey has revealed.

A new survey of financial professionals has found that work-related stress is a major part of everyday life – and that almost half of workers do ‘little or nothing’ to reduce their stress levels.

The survey of 1,015 UK adults was conducted by learning marketplace Obby.co.uk. It reveals that 49% of workers in the financial services industry are unable to find the time to undertake stress-reducing activities outside of work, compounding what is already a significant problem.

The financial industry is the fifth most stressful place to work according to the survey, after professional services, education, healthcare and trades.

Of the respondents working in financial services, 71% said that a lack of free time is the biggest obstacle they face. A quarter cited a lack of money as the main reason they are unable to pursue stress-reducing activities.

Tom Batting, co-founder at Obby.co.uk, said: “It’s extremely worrying how many workers within financial services claim they do not prioritize getting the stress relief that is so important for maintaining their mental health. The irony is that this can actually become a vicious cycle – if we don’t make time for stress relief, this can lead to becoming more stressed or even burnout, both of which can reduce productivity further.

“It’s in finance managers and bosses’ interests to ensure that employees actually do take measures to manage their stress levels – whether that’s communicating how important this is, allowing them flexi-time so that they can attend whatever activity it is that they do to relieve stress, or even providing classes or workshops for their workforce.”

Among the most popular activities for reducing stress are sport and exercise (44%) and pursuing personal interests and hobbies (39%).

Batting commented that these kinds of activities “can positively impact on employees’ focus, concentration and efficiency in the workplace – which are particularly key in industries such as banking, where attention to detail and precision are especially vital”.

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Whitepapers & Resources

2021 Transaction Banking Services Survey
Banking

2021 Transaction Banking Services Survey

2y
CGI Transaction Banking Survey 2020

CGI Transaction Banking Survey 2020

4y
TIS Sanction Screening Survey Report
Payments

TIS Sanction Screening Survey Report

5y
Enhancing your strategic position: Digitalization in Treasury
Payments

Enhancing your strategic position: Digitalization in Treasury

5y
Netting: An Immersive Guide to Global Reconciliation

Netting: An Immersive Guide to Global Reconciliation

5y