University of Cambridge study reveals job stress affects 70 per cent of workers

CAMBRIDGE, U.K. — The findings of a study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to combat workplace stress as it revealed at least 70 per cent of people in construction report feeling stressed at work.

The sector is the largest in the world and is currently facing a mental health crisis, indicates a release, adding in the U.K., construction employees are almost four times more likely to take their own lives compared to workers in other sectors.

Job stress is estimated to cost the U.K. economy £28 billion annually, while in the United States and other parts of the world, the financial toll is also high. Stress can lead to decreased productivity, increased sickness and higher employee turnover.

The study, published in the Healthcare journal, gathered data from participants across 12 U.K. employers in the construction industry, the largest global economy industry, accounting for 13 per cent of the world’s GDP.

Key findings indicate 70 per cent of people reported their jobs as being either moderately stressful, very stressful, or extremely stressful; 80 per cent of people signalled that work stress can negatively impact their jobs; and 75 per cent indicated that stress can negatively impact their personal lives.

The major sources of stress were found to be high workloads, tight deadlines, situations not being under one’s control and responsibility for the safety of others.

As workplace stress continues to rise, this study underscores the pressing need for construction organisations to prioritize mental health and implement effective strategies to support their employees, the release indicates.

“Opening up to family, friends, or colleagues about workplace stress can be helpful. Having a robust support network acts as a buffer against stress and is beneficial for mental health,” said Dr. Olivia Remes, co-author and a mental health researcher at the Cambridge Laing O’Rourke Centre at the Department of Engineering.

“Blocking out or bottling up stressful problems may lead to feelings of helplessness and other negative consequences. Instead, connecting with supportive others during stressful times can be more effective. In fact, self-disclosure and sharing your thoughts with a close family member, friend or colleague has been linked to greater resilience.”