You might not like your job, but have you ever hated it so much you ‘lost it’ in the office? Recent research suggests that almost half of Brits have done exactly that. According to a survey by PruHealth and the Vitality Wellness Programme, 48% of Brits have admitted to being in the grip of a ‘desk rage’ epidemic, and having regular work meltdowns in the office.
According to the survey results, over a quarter of Brits find that their corporate wellness suffers when they feel they are at risk to financial pressures and a lack of job security. As the fears mount, over 26% of people admit to losing it at work and (physically) taking it out on their computers, slamming their telephones, throwing something or banging their fists on their desk.
However, it’s not just the office equipment that you have to feel sorry for, but one in 13 of the people surveyed admitted that they had witnessed a physical assault between colleagues and 3% revealed they had been physically aggressive to a workmate. 46% of workers are are more likely to lose it and become irritable or angry when under pressure, and 49% don’t think that their stress levels are likely to improve in the future.
The researchers speculated that ‘desk rage’ is on the rise because Brits are getting too stressed out, and even depressed. According to Dr Dawn Richards, head of clinical services at PruHealth told HuffPost Lifestyle, ‘Stress, depression or anxiety are so prevalent in the workplace they now account for the most days lost due to work-related ill health. This is not only bad for people’s health and wellbeing, it is bad for business as it costs employers nearly £26 billion each year in sickness absence, reduced productivity and employee turnover.’
She concluded by advising ‘The first step to dealing with stress and mental illness is recognising it exists and how common it is. Mental health remains a taboo subject and this is the biggest barrier in addressing it. Early intervention and putting the right coping mechanisms in place are very important to nip symptoms in the bud, which is why awareness amongst individuals and employers alike is critical.’
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